A Roman Holiday

Colour clashing at the Colosseum

As promised earlier this week, here are a few outfit snaps from my holiday to Rome last week. Due to flying with EasyJet, case space was limited to I took a mix of separates and dresses, with my trusty pair of tweed and faux leather boots from Primark. Walking is one of my favourite ways to explore a new city and these boots did me proud, allowing me to explore the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain and more without a hint of ‘my feet huuurt’ whining.

I was also happened to be in Rome at the same time as the Versace for H&M launch. While the label isn’t really my cup of tea I did enjoy people watching, gelato in hand, as local fashionistas paraded around Via del Corso with their gorgeous carrier bags in classic Versace prints.

One thing I didn’t get about my time in Rome was the sheer number of otherwise very chic Romans walking around in sleeping bag jackets or as I once knew them, puffer jackets. If you were a teen in the late 90s you may well have had one of these coats. At the time I begged my mum for a lime green number but these days, or at least in Rome, the colour palette is a lot more somber. Of all the hundreds of men, women and children I saw wearing these coats, maybe a three pulled the look off. The rest looked like they’d taken a tumble in Millets. Is this a legitimate trend in the UK? Answers on a postcard please…

Versace for H&M window on Via del Corso

Versace for H&M carrier bag with trademark print

'Sleeping bag' coats at the Pantheon

 

Wrapping up for cold Roman nights: Scarf, vintage / Leather jacket, Macy's / Rose print dress, Tesco / Black leggings, Sweaty Betty / Grey knee high socks (rolled down), H&M / Boots, Primark

Colour clashing at the Colosseum: Mustard vest and fuchsia tights, Primark / Red skater skirt, Zara / Tan woven belt, swishing session / Scarf as before

Exploring the grounds of Villa Borghese: Floral print dress, H&M / Preppy blazer, Peacocks / 'Love' necklace, Accessorize / Scarf, belt, socks and boots as before

 

Flea Market Finds at Ashton Gate

Costume jewellery Ashton Gate flea market

Ciao! Last week I took a holiday with Mr Ship-Shape to visit the glorious city of Rome. I love nothing more than a city break with a dose of winter sun so once I’ve sorted through the 200+ photos we took I’ll post a few on here. In the meantime I want to talk fleas. Not the kind you find on your pets, but specifically the new flea market at Ashton Gate Stadium which took place yesterday morning.

After spending a week sightseeing and scoffing ice cream, I didn’t have a lot of money to spend but that didn’t stop S and I pouring over vintage fabrics, costume jewellery and decades worth of furniture, ornements, books and clothes. The market is run by Homemaker Events which started the successful Bath Flea & Vintage Market  and attracted over 120 stalls to the indoor conference centre. When we arrived just after 10am the room was already buzzing with Bristolians buying and selling bargains. Prices were mixed but as S and I were on a budget we stuck to smaller items such as a deck of vintage foral playing cards, printed scarves and mid length ‘granny’ skirts.

I came away with this gorgeous red, green and turquoise printed scarf, below, which mixes paisley with flowers and was a bargain at just £3. S and I can’t wait to go back next month – perhaps we’ll see you there?

My flea market scarf / Black top from Warehouse / Cream horse belt from Primark

The Bristol Flea Market will return to Ashton Gate Stadium on a monthly basis, opening hours are 9am – 2pm. Entry is £2 or £1 for students and OAPs. For more info check out the event website.

(Tatty) Devine DIY

Tatty Devine workshop: busy hands at work

Ship-Shape is taking a break for a week but before I go I wanted to share with you the outcome of the Tatty Devine workshop at the Soma Gallery yesterday. Tatty creators Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine were on hand to sign copies of their new book and teach willing students, yummy mummies and local fashionistas how to create their iconic tape measure rosettes.

As eight of us eager beavers took our seats around a table filled with brightly coloured tape measures, scissors and hole punchers we listened as Harriet walked us through how to turn your average tape measure into a quirky brooch. On paper the process is remarkably simple but several of us had trouble remembering our 3 x tables when it came to measuring out holes to punch! The result, below, was so satisfying that it compelled me to buy a copy of How to Make Jewellery with Tatty Devine so I can start making more of my own jewellery again. Did you make it to the workshop? If so let me know what you thought of it by commenting below.

My Tatty Devine DIY rosette

Something for The Weekend: Tatty Devine @ Soma

How would you like to spend the afternoon learning how to make an original piece of Tatty Devine jewellery? Well tomorrow you can do just that if you attend the Tatty Devine Workshop & Book Signing at Clifton’s Soma Gallery. Regular readers will know how much I love Tatty Devine so I’m excited to share this event with you.

Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine, the duo behind Tatty Devine, will be at Soma between 2-4pm to sign copies of their new book How to Make Jewellery with Tatty Devine and teach you how to make one of their classic designs – a tape measure rosette. As well as a book signing and workshop there will be refreshments in the form of tea and cake from Lahloo Tea. Quirky jewellery, books and cake, what’s not to love!?

The event is free and takes place between 2-4pm tomorrow afternoon at Soma Gallery, Boyces Avenue. For more information check out the Facebook event page.

Lunchtime Loot: Statement rings

There is nothing quite like a little lunchtime window shopping to perk a girl up. Yesterday I popped in to Primark to look for a ring I spotted last week. The ring in question is a (faux) gold eagle spreading its wings, see above.

While I’m all about a statement necklace or pair of earrings, I’ve always stirred clear of statement rings. Bulky and in your face, statement rings and costume jewellery seem to be essential in the fashion blogging world but since I read this post from Dressful earlier this year I can’t help but giggle when I see a bling ring pop up in an outfit post.

Since this ring was only £2 I figured it would be a cheap and cheerful way to liven up an outfit and dip my toe into the world of statement rings. Do you have a favourite piece of jewellery you just can’t take off? Share your thoughts below…

Tonight: Swaparoo @ Cox & Baloney

This is very last minute but if you heart Cox & Baloney  then you’ll love their latest event: Swaparoo. Ship-Shape is a big fan of swishing and swapping parties and is pleased to see the vintage boutique is jumping on the bandwagon with monthly swapping events, starting tonight.

To take part and score some new swag you need to taking in your unwanted outfits in advance so if you haven’t already done so, you’ll have to wait until the next Swaparoo in December. If you’re going along tonight then feel free to comment on what bargains you come away with. If you’re still unsure about swapping your clothes take a look at the rules below.

Swaparoo @ Cox & Baloney’s

What is it?
A chance for you to exchange your old clothes, shoes and accessories for something new.

When is it?
The first Tuesday of every month. The first one will be on the 1st of November 2011. It will take place from 7-9pm.

How does it work?
1. There is a £5 entry fee, refreshments will be provided, this is payable when you bring your clothes in. ( These do not have to be vintage.)
2. Bring in your clothes the week before between 6 & 7 pm, Mon- Fri ( So for the first one- between the 24th & the 28th Oct between 6 & 7 pm).
3. You can bring up to 7 items, including bags, shoes, accessories, clothes and jewellery. Your items will be colour coded depending on quality.
4. You will be given tokens for the swap value of your garments on the night and then all you have to do is shop!

There you have it – a great way to get some new clobber – any leftovers will be taken to the charity shop so this is guilt-free shopping : ) For more info pop in store or check out the Cox & Baloney Facebook page.