Street Spotted: Designer - Hildur Yeoman

While out-and-about in London doing a spot of street-style hunting, I happened to bump into Hildur Yeoman, fashion designer and illustrator.

It was her quirky style that made me stop her, though namely her array of electric blue crochet and beaded necklaces. It was only after a little small-talk I realised the woman I stopped was the actual designer of these necklaces, and was in London sorting business with a couple new suppliers of her most recent collection. I have to admit, I had never heard of her before this meeting, but having come home and done my research into her work - she is one extremely talented lady!

...Also loving the fact that she had been shopping at Rockit, Covent Garden - one of my top picks of London vintage stores.

© Natalie Green

Hildur has decided to do one collection of accessories a year, with her most recent one featuring crochet swans, beads and - from her previous collection - crochet poodles!

© http://www.stylebubble.co.uk

To shop Hildur Yeoman, click here.

Most recently, Hildur collaborated with fashion photographer Saga Sigurðardóttir. Her styling and illustrations were merged with Sigurðardóttir's photography to create a magical world inspired by greek mythology and russian fairy tales. The end results are gorgeous and are an innovative merge of two separate artistic talents - wouldn't mind a print myself! Below are just a few examples.

© http://hilduryeoman.blogspot.com

My Vintage Vow for 2011

I suppose it was a revelation that day, not so long ago, when I looked through all my receipts from Topshop saved from 2006...trust me - there was a lot. Though more shocking than the huge pile, was the staggering figure I had somehow managed to spend. I had splashed thousands, and on what? Like countless others, I had fallen into the swing of the fast-moving fashion-conscious world, spending ridiculous amounts on overly priced pieces that would be worn a few times, then thrown to the back of the wardrobe to be forgotten. 

Now it's time to change and so here is my 'vintage vow' for 2011 (a little early, but with good intentions nevertheless) ...

I vow, for one whole year (if not more) to buy only vintage, second-hand or make-do-and-mend with the clothes I currently own.

This might not be everyone's first choice, and to be honest it's a little out of my own comfort zone, but there is logical behind my madness. Firstly, besides saving a penny, I'd be purchasing truly unique pieces that wouldn't be seen anywhere else on the highstreet. Instead of looking like some cloned walking advertisement, I'd be expressing my own individuality. With each buy, I'd also be at peace knowing that my decision to purchase vintage or second-hand is an conscious effort to banish my old habits and recycle garments.

To banish any presumptions that I'll end looking like a rag-doll out of the 20's, I thought I'd share my first vintage purchase...

This 50's chunky knit jumper was £20 from WOW Retro in Covent Garden, London. Admittedly it is a mens jumper, but it's bang on trend at the moment so really couldn't resist. It's 100% wool and was made near to home in Scotland, so double points for being ethical and supporting traditional culture. 

Now lets go back to Topshop... 

Below is a chunky knit jumper currently in-store - how similar is this to mine? Only differences are is it's being sold at £48 instead of £20, it's only 70% Wool and it was manufactured in Turkey where you can almost be guaranteed of unfair working conditions, to say the least.

End of the day, if you ignore the label, it is still only a jumper. 

LFW Style: Vintage Geek Chic

© Natalie Green

Messy up-do with vintage black fascinator, oversized nerd glasses, brilliant red lips, monochrome patterned bow-tie with ninja turtle homage through a 6th birthday badge.