Blythe Handmade Clothes - a set on Flickr

At last, I have finally added some of the Blythe clothes I made!!! They are now on Etsy, so spread the word!!!


Blythe Handmade Clothes - a set on Flickr


Have a lovely evening. X

Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Review

During the Easter weekend, my husband and I went to see the Tenessee Williams play Cat On A Hot Tin Roof  showing at the Novello Theatre in London.
I was really looking forward to it, as it was the first time an all black cast had been selected for all the roles and included in that cast was my friends' daughter (although, unfortunately, the day we booked, she wasn't scheduled in).

The play is about the Pollit family. The main focus is on the turbulent relationship of the husband Brick (played by British actor Adrian Lester) and Maggie (The Cat, played by the brilliant Saana Lathan) and their interaction with the other members of the family over the course of a weekend.

Big Daddy (played by the wonderful James Earl Jones) is a millionaire and celebrating his 65th birthday.
He doesn't know - but his family does - that he is dying of cancer and his two daughter in laws are clamouring for their husbands share of the family legacy.

Brick - Big Daddy's favourite, is a former sports star and  has turned to drink to escape from the 'mendacity' he sees surrounding him and also mourning the death of his best friend Skipper. Maggie is craving for his attention and is also frustrated at his lack of enthusiasm to claim his rightful share of Big Daddy's inheritance.

After watching this play, both my hubby and I felt as though we had been on an emotional obstacle course.  The play captured the complexity of each of the characters and their failure to build and maintain relationships. It was really powerful in depicting moral crisis.

Acting commendations have to go to James Earl Jones and Saana Lathan. Both portrayed the characters brilliantly and in my opinion carried the play at times. Their stage presence was awesome - I couldn't keep my eyes off them!

The acting was brilliant - from start to finish it was very gripping viewing. There were a few humourous lines threaded throughout the production which bought a little dark humour in the mix.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed it and my only critisism would be that I felt it was a tad long, but I would definately reccomend it to anyone.

Have a lovely day! X

New Flats

I'm always on the lookout for flat shoes that I can wear for my journey to work on the tube. I have a number of high heeled shoes and boots that I keep at the office for when I have meetings etc that I change into when I get to work.

I have never been able to wear trainers (sneakers) for my commute, as far as I am concerned trainers should remain the preferred choice of footwear for working out and nothing else!

Last week on my way home, I stopped in Zara to have a look at their new collection and came across the perfect pair for my needs. I was looking for a ballet pump style flat but with an ankle strap.

They are in light beige suede, although the pictures look like light grey, with multiple straps and have an antique gold embellishment and a zip in the back to fasten. Lovely!! I tried them on and they looked and felt great.
I actually wore them on Friday night to a party and I have them on at the moment, wearing them with black harem pants, a cream embellished tunic and a military jacket. What is also great about these is that they can be worn with dresses and skirts - truly versatile!!!

Here are some others I found on Net a Porter  that I am also considering. The grey at the top is Chloe, the printed pair Charlotte Olympian and the grey strappy wooden heel, Alexander Wang.

Pictures from Net a Porter

Have a lovely day! X

Work In Progress

I think I have mentioned before that I tend to work on several things at once. At the moment I am desperately trying to make, photograph and upload more items for my Etsy shop. I have lots of ideas swimming around my head, but I don't seem to have enough time in the evening to get them all completed.

Having sold the only Tasha banded dress I made for my Etsy shop, I am now making an emerald green one. I didn't have any more of the same black fabric, so I decided as it was now getting warmer, it would be a better idea to make it in a colour. I could have bought some more standard black jersey and remake it, but part of my policy at the moment is to use the mountain of fabric I have collected over the years instead of buying anymore new ones.

I'm glad I am making this in a colour now as you can see alot more of the detail and style in this colour than in the original black version. To complete this dress, it needs the sleeves to be attached and the hems to be done.

It is a really versatile dress. It can be worn as a top or mini dress with leggings or jeans or as a regular short dress with tights in Winter or bare legs in Summer. I have worn my all throughout Winter with a long sleeve sweater or a cardigan and opaque tights and shall certainly continue to wear it in Summer.

Apart from making Etsy things, I have been commissioned for another brides dress. I will be holding an initial consultation this evening and will keep you posted on my progress.

Have a lovely evening. X

Easter Spa Break

All photos by K West


I hope you all had a lovely Easter break! My husband and I decided to go away for a mini spa break at a hotel in London called the K West Spa Hotel. We checked in on Friday and stayed until Monday.

The Friday evening, we went to see a play: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Written by Tenessee Williams, Directed by Debbie Allen - review to follow soon.

Whilst the hotel is lovely, the actual location - Shepherds Bush, is not great. The surrounding area is quite residential and is surrounded by high street shops. There is however, one of the greatest shopping malls ever built in London Westfield, just located 5 mins away - shopping heaven as it is filled with fashion shops (designer and High Street), homeware shops, restaurants. and a cinema!

We have stayed at this hotel a few times before and what we really like about it is the Spa. It had recently undergone a refurbishment, so we wanted to see what it was like and it didn't disappoint. Considering it was a bank holiday weekend, the Spa was pretty quiet. At one point we had the whole spa to ourselves!

Part of their refurbishment was the installation of a snow room (read more about it on their wesbsite). This snow room has replaced the plunge pool which use to be located in the centre of the Spa. The hydo pool sits in this area now. Naturally, I had to try it! It was bliss and I actually prefer it to a plunge pool. In this snow room, you are able to stand in the snow for longer than you would stay in a plunge pool, it was a really great experience!

Have a lovely rest of day. X