300 Follower Diva Giveaway

A few days ago I hit 300 followers on my twitter account, @ericahenderson! I'm so chuffed, my GFC hasn't worked since I got my blog, so I've been keeping track of my followers through twitter. I wanted to say thanks and hold a giveaway for all you lovelies! 

These gorgeous 3 necklaces and a bracelet are a few items I love this season! The giveaway is open internationally, it's worth £35 and will run for 1 month. Thank you readers!

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Until Next Time xo

Elk Head

I love this necklace from OASAP, but I think I may start wearing it double wrapped. I prefer shorter necklaces, but its gorgeous non the less. I'd been looking for an animal skull type jewellery for a while, finally a great priced piece. What do you think? Kind of dark, but gorgeous all the same?

You can click here to get yours, its only $10 too bargain I love it.

Until Next Time xo

Sugar & Vice Giveaway!

This has been a long time coming, I've been chatting with the lovely girls over at Sugar & Vice since October. Finally I've sorted myself out and giving one of you lovelies a chance to win a gorgeous aztec necklace, who doesn't love some aztec? It's been a summer obsession of mine and luckily, the trend hasn't gone away over winter. Still rocking the patterns. I love the designs you can grab for very reasonable prices, they're so on trend. Yet they offer something so much more than on the high street. Quirky and different. So here's my little collection, my top picks, a personalised piece... and what your entering to win!

I love this! Thank you Sugar & Vice!

Here it is, a gorgeous Aztec Arrow Necklace. This competition will run for 2 weeks. It's open internationally, so please feel free to enter! If you'd like to pick up some other things now and like me are really, really impatient! Click here to go shopping. (They've got a massive sale on right now, so head over for some great bargains!)

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Simplicity is Classy

As much as I love statement necklaces and bracelets and well statement everything, sometimes you just crave to feel dainty. Some timeless pieces that you'll always love are those that aren't seasonal trends and something simple. I just found a new business via ASOS market place an amazing jewellery line. Lily King. They scream dainty, gently and gorgeous. The items are quality and very good value with these necklaces at £12 each. Gorgeous little stocking fillers or a cute little gift? 

Until Next Time xo

Busted

Have you ever walked around the high street and found some gorgeous stuff, but its just way out of your price range. But you think hey, I'll treat myself. Walk next door and find the item you just bought for cheaper? Well in most cases these businesses import from large factories so you could find duplicates everywhere?! And I'm going to give away a secret to you. eBay. There are so many independent small shops and wholesalers online that offer these items at ridiculously cheap prices. 

I found this gorgeous antler bracelet when I had a 'stocking fillers' notification, I immediately put it into my basket and continued browsing before going to pay. Then I thought about it and realised how quickly I'd been sucked in by these constant emails and notifications to spend my money on impulse! Having a quick look on eBay within a few minutes I'd found loads more for half the price including shipping. The left picture is £10 and the right is £6. Great advice? 

Another example, clearly you can see a difference in quality with the extra beads and genuine silver. But as fashion jewellery that comes in and out of fashion very quickly, its perfect! I got this with free delivery, granted it took 20 days to come as it was direct from the supplier in China. But for £1 I'm not complaining. This was my best kept secret so be careful who you tell about this! Happy shopping.

Until Next Time xo

Over the Nail

Trend alert. Over the nail rings popped up on my radar about a month ago. They came and I thought they would soon go. But nope they are catching on. Big time. I've started seeing them on the high street and flooding into eBay and cheaper online outlets. They looked a bit deadly and pointed but here are a few more dainty ones. I'm still unsure, what do you think?

Happy Halloween!

Until next time xo

Named and Shamed - Topshop

As much as I love the fashion forward ways of Topshop, the amazing shoes and fitted jeans. I hate the standard of the jewellery. The design is great and generally unique they are completely overpriced for the quality. An item you'd expect to last you at least 2 years since you paid around £15 for (triple the price in Primark) the quality is of the same standard. Every item of jewellery I've ever bought from Topshop has broken within the first 3 weeks. This isn't because I'm throwing it on the floor and doing a work out in them, they just never make the grade.

The final straw was today when I nipped into the sale and bought a gorgeous T I'd been eyeing up for a while. I found a huge range of cuff earrings which I am addicted to and purchased a dainty Aztec gem one for £2.50. Yes it was only £2.50 but they were selling this full priced not long ago so the fact it broke when I took it out of the packaging? Wheres the explanation.... 

The feathered one managed to be removed from the packaging without breaking, but I'm scared to wear it out of the house. Has anyone had a similar experience? Or am I just very heavy handed?

I'm going back tomorrow to see what they can do. I will let you know!

Until Next Time xo

Dead Bling

I wish I could finish uni now, my degree in hand so I can buy and go where ever I please! But until then heres a wish list of things I want but can't have. For now. I love the new skulls, studs and spikes trend. And these fit in so well but I've never seen any like them until now. They're eerily gorgeous. What do you think?

The average around $90 each, which is probably why I haven't seen too many around university campus. But worth the investment if you have the cash flow, no? But they also offering 10% if you pin your top 5 favourites to pinterest!

Until next time xo

MyriadVintage Giveaway

I have found a gorgeous Vintage boutique on Etsy. MyriadVintage. Very understated and very vintage!  I got in touch with the owner and to say thank you to my readers heres a give away! Ashley was kind enough to give to one of you luckies a gorgeous colour block maxi skirt. I might even try to enter myself, hahaha. I managed to grab a few extra minutes with Ashley for a short interview, heres what I found out!

Me: How did you get into Vintage fashion?
Ashley: Growing up my mom always took me along on her thrifting trips. I would pick items to wear and would tweak the ones I didn't like by light sewing. Over the years I have found some cool pieces and decided to make a business of it. In my city, vintage wear is nearly equal to normal retail.

Me: I love changing things to my personal taste! Where do you find inspiration for your items?
Ashley: Honestly, I use my personal taste for guidance. I look for pops of color, bold prints and texture. Anything that stands out on the rack at a quick glance. If I have to dig too hard, it is not for me! Most of my items are 1980s - early 90's.

Me: Such an iconic era. Are there any fashion icons you follow for ideas?
Ashley: There are many greats of the era, with unique and bold style but, I try to make sure I don't put myself in a box. For example Madonna's edgy and sometimes quirky style, love it!! But my pieces may or may not reflect this.

Me: Madonna is definitely a walking fashion statement! What do you believe makes a quality article of clothing?
Ashley: A quality article of clothing should not be damaged, stained, or worn beyond reasonable wear with consideration to the year. Essentially items should look as good as they did, when they were first made. Not all items are perfect, and for this reason I make not of imperfections on my listings. Not every customer is a perfectionist but, honesty and respect go a long way!!

Me: They do say honesty is always the best policy. What garments can we expect for A/W from MyriadVintage?
Ashley: I always go in search of certain categories of items, but tend to list as I find. I am looking to add more sequinned and beaded items, sweaters and blazers. Over the weekend some updates were made :)

Me: Can't wait to see you gems you'll find! How would you sum up MyriadVintage as a brand?
Ashley: All inclusive women's vintage clothing and accessories. One of a kind finds, that foster creativity and uniqueness. All things vintage!

If you can't wait for the end of the competition you can buy an item now, here. Don't forget they're all vintage - here today, gone tomorrow! *Update - use code MVINTAGE for 10% off*

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Above The Knuckle

Stacking bracelets is becoming an 'art' but stacking rings is even better. It looks so indie and bohemian. Without having too much shiny 'bling' going on. They're subtle but a statement. I love them! What do you think? I need a few more dainty ones but for now, I just like wearing a double stack on my pinky.

I found a few of online from some gorgeous jewellery stores. Dixi and another store called Kukee. They are really cheap too from £1.50 - £4.

So cute, I love my little rings!

Travellers Chant

My outfit for the day, travelling. I hate being uncomfortable when travelling, especially since the journey was 3 hours long. I just wore some loose fitting denim, an over sized wool tunic, which is really soft and snuggly. A blazer so I don't look too slouchy, then added some colour with the gold choker, scarf and nails.

Choker - gift/ Boots - gift

Jeans - River Island/ Scarf - Peacocks/ Tunic - USC/ Blazer  - River Island

Nails - Hot looks shimmy shake

I look so scared in those photos, haha! What do you think of this outfit? I love this nail polish, it needs a couple coats to get a really bold look but its so glittery and dries relatively quickly which is awesome when your in a rush. Until next time xo

Motel Rocks

Hello! I know how much everyone loves originality and gorgeous designs. Especially since the weather has taken a turn for the worst this week, we all need some well deserved cheering up. So I've teamed up with Motel to bring you the latest offers. If you use my blog name 'sushiturtlesandlife' at the checkout you will receive 20%!! That's amazing isn't it? Here are my top picks just to give you all a taste before you head over to do some retail therapy. 

Deborah long sleeve off the shoulder - £32  £25.60

Tess sheer shirt with cross beads - £38  £30.40

Donella skinny in red - £48  £38.40

Rock N' Rose Aurelia stone cuff - £14  £11.20

kadie circle skirt in cross and beads $40  £32

 Really hope you enjoy this one and get some really nice new items for the new season. Motel also gets new products in very frequently so I'll keep you up to date with any thing that needs to be blogged. Which will probably be alot haha! P.s This ones for my international readers too.

Until next time xo

Gypsy Warrior

I joined instagram recently. I was really reluctant because I thought it just another social network bragging game and adding filters. But it's actually pretty good. You can connect with people around the world and it's not about what they have and are doing as such. Its more about just sharing pictures. Its nice I like it, anyway. I found that when you post a picture and hash tag it a lot businesses will like it or if you search a certain print or item it shows loads of unknown businesses out there!

This is PERFECT for when you need something not on the high street, something different. I've found so many, but my favourite so far ? Gypsy Warrior. If you haven't heard of them go check it out. They're a gorgeous fashion statement from New Jersey. Their stuff really stands out, its edgy and has a lot of attitude. I'm reluctant to share this on here because I want to keep this little gem all to myself, but mum taught me to share. Damn.

Here's my top picks!

It's really unlikely you'll get the awkward same outfit situation that I always talk about!

If anyones stuck on what they want to get me for Christmas, there's a list ^^.

Happy shopping people! x

Jewellery organisers - DIY!

I've been on YouTube every single day over summer and I need to make something! I went a bit DIY crazy today, but got it out of my system... kind of. I've made 3 small units to organise my jewls and shinies. Obviously you'll notice there's no where for the necklaces! I'm buying some screw hooks to attach to the bottom of  the ear rings holder and then hang the unit on the wall. Okay so I forgot to take photos as I went along because I got really carried away. So I'll explain roughly and just leave a comment where you don't understand.

Lost half my earring collection, definitely a reason to go shopping!

So to make this, you'll need a cheap frame from ikea or a charity shop. Remove the back and glass, then turn it over and stick pins in the sides. When the pin is half way into the wood, measure your string across the frame, cut and tie a knot on the needle of the pin. Add some glue to secure and hammer in. Continue all the way down.

Going to make some rings to soon, need to fill this baby up.

For your ring holder, you need any old box you can find. An old chocolate box or a sturdier fancy box. Its up to you. I just used an old Lindt box from Easter. Yea for some reason it took me until now to eat them? Anyway some old material, super glue or a hot glue gun and a pair of scissors. Measure the width of your box and then cut length around 40-50cm. You'll need to test the length to see how high the roll will be, this will all depend on your box. Then after cutting and rolling the strips. Seal them and glue into the box. You'll need more than fits naturally as they have to squish up to secure the rings. DONT glue between each roll, that's where the rings go. Just underneath and the sides. Done.

Here's a bigger pic.

I got so into it at this point I completely forgot to take pictures altogether!

But here's the video I got the idea from, so you can make one yourself!

If you have any questions let me know and I'll update you when I get these screw hooks!