Spend / Save: Watches by Gucci, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Fossil

I pretty much always wear a watch.  I feel lost without one.  Yes I have my phone, but I still prefer glancing at my wrist to see if I am on time or (fashionably) late.  I like the feel and look of an accessory on my wrist.  Of course watches take ages to run out of battery power (unlike several phones I know...) and I think a watch can finish an outfit perfectly.  I found four lovely and similar watches by Gucci, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors and Fossil.  The question is, Spend or Save?

Top left- clockwise.  Gucci, Michael Kors, Fossil, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

From the top left watch going clockwise we have....

Gucci YA055212 G-Class bracelet Stainless Steel Watch £560

Michael Kors MK3228 Lexington Stainless Steel Watch £165

Fossil Cecile AM4509 Stainless Steel Watch £115 (though don't forget to save your HOF points!)

Marc by Marc Jacobs MBM3210 Stainless Steal Watch £185

Seeing as they are all stainless steel and tell the time, then it just boils down to design.  However if you prefer to save a chunk of money, get a student discount (or use a voucher code) and save some money towards something else then Dorothy Perkins have a similar chunky silver watch for £18 (less with discounts).

Dorothy Perkins Chunky Silver Watch £18

Do you spend on watches or save?  Which one would you choose if they were all the same price?

(Also I'm testing out a few new design themes on the blog.  Constructive feedback is welcome- is this colour too bright?)

Stand Tall x

P.S. Don't forget my Gogo Philip Necklace Giveaway (link)

Gogo Phillip Necklace Giveaway!

Italian brand Gogo Philip designs really cute pieces of retro inspired 'Vintage Bijoux' jewellery.  Georgi ‘Gogo’ Philip Pecenikov inherited Esse-Pi in Milan 2004 and quickly found his range being in Topshop, ASOS and Selfridges in the UK.  However if you are ever near Brick Lane in London, then take a moment to pop into the stand alone store and feast your eyes on some fabulous    Each piece is hand finished and full of character- and I have a piece to giveaway below!

Just look at this ring in the Disney collection (link).  Feminine but also something that will make people smile.  A snip at £10!  However if you are after true affordable but unique pieces, then check out the website's 'Vintage' section- one-off pieces that were made by other firms that no-longer exist.  All very reasonable in price and such a pretty piece of history.

Mickey Mouse ring from Gogo Philip Disney Collection

You lucky lot have the chance to get your hands on a Gogo Philip hand finished necklace- thanks to Gogo Philip.  I run my giveaways with the aid of Rafflecopter- it's just easier to track and even easier for you guys to take part.  All you need to do is be a subscriber (Via GFC or Bloglovin) and leave a comment below telling me your country and where you buy most of your jewelery from.  You can gain an extra entry or 10 via twitter, facebook or a mention on your blog.  Giveaway is international and closes on Feb 27th 2014.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!

Well done to Victoria for winning the Misguided Lipgloss giveaway!  Please check your emails!

Rules:  I reserve the right to amend or change the giveaway at any point.  I reserve the right to disqualify entrants.  Compers not allowed.  I take no responsibility for the prize once posted.  No alternative prize is offered.  No cash amount is available.  Winner has 7 days to respond.

Olivia Burton Vintage Woodland Watches

I have been a fan of Olivia Burton for a while.  Her elegant but characterful designs appeal to me.  While browsing the Topshop website the other day I came across these beauties.  Woodland creature inspired watches.  Not only do they contain lovely illustrations, they are affordable for the average pocket (especially with a student discount).  These watches epitomise vintage, feminine, delicate beauty and I have added them to my 'wants' list.  What I really need at the moment in new jeans- but with my loathing of trouser shopping, I am procrastinating my staring at pretty watches.....

Olivia Burton Woodland Watches

Olivia Burton watches come in two sizes, with a range of insect or bird illustrations on the faces.  The straps come in metal or material.  To be honest, I want the entire range.  However I narrowed it down to my top three

Woodland Mink Butterfly Watch £58.  I think there are two designs so you can get one with a different colour butterfly. (Far Left) (link)

Mini Hummingbird Watch (£65) with the most delicate and exquisite bracelet strap.  Certainly worth a closer look. (Far Right) (link)

Woodland Butterfly Bracelet Watch (£95).  I think this is my favourite piece and I really want it for my collection.  I love the colours.  Cleverly Olivia has managed to take a large dial watch (which can be quite masculine, and retain a feel of femininity.  (link)

Although I have linked the Topshop website above, you can also view or purchase these online and see other designs at many stores including Asos, The Dressing Room and John Lewis.  There is a full list of UK and international stockists on Olivia Burton's website.  Certainly a brand to watch (sorry, had to be said!)

Stand Tall x

P.s. Don't forget my giveaway!

Spend / Save: Chanel, Mulberry, Jolie Moi

Whether you take a token tiny purse (that holds a postage stamp and nothing else) or, like me, carry everything you may ever possibly need EVER in one large bag....handbags are essential.  The question is, do you invest in one or two classic handbags that will last for life OR do you take the elements, browse the trends and save by purchasing in several cheaper versions?  I found this Jolie Moi handbag and immediately thought of Chanel and Mulberry.

Chanel classic double flap purse (top left), Mulberry bayswater (top right), Jolie Moi mini leather bag (bottom)

Chanel's iconic classic double flap purse may go up in price each year, but it is an investment item.  It's one to be cherished and used for a lifetime.  These bags are expensive and rarely available new online unless 'pre-loved' (or fake!).   A new Classic Chanel bag retails for nearly £3000 so it's easy to see why second hand ones generally go for between £1000 - £2000 (although I did see one genuine second hand Chanel go for £600 recently on ebay).

An iconic British brand is Mulberry.  Leather bags made in Somerset.  These are pretty pricey too (but look more affordable next to the Chanel!).  Mulberry have been recently accused of getting too big for their boots and out pricing themselves.  More on that later, but for now, a trendy Bayswater bag will set you back a cool £895 (at Net-a-porter).

However if you fancy a hint of Mulberry and chanel, but not the hefty price tag then Jolie Moi could be the one for you.  Made of real leather, with a postman's lock (like Mulberry) and with a metal chain (hello hint of Chanel!) BUT with a cheaper price tag.  Jolie Moi's Mini Leather Bag was £65 but is now an ever more affordable £45 at House of Fraser.

Which bag to you prefer?  If they all cost the same, which bag would you pick up?

Stand Tall x

P.s. Don't forget my Giveaway is still open. 

Giveaway: Missguided Lipsplash Glosses

After talking about it for a while, here is the first giveaway on 5foot10!  Thanks to Missguided fashion, I have two lipsplash lip glosses to giveaway to a lucky 5foot10 subscriber.  'Fashion' is a vibrant purple tones cerise, where as 'Peace' is a neutral toned peachy colour.  I normally talk about makeup on my beauty blog but sometimes there is a bit of cross topic.

Missguided Lipsplash Lip Glosses in Fashion and Peace

There are a few online fashion boutiques I shop at, and Missguided are one.  They normally have some gorgeous light maxi dresses in summer (not quite February wear) and a few good knitwear items in the winter.  I am loving this snugly Satomi Eyelash cardigan (link) for just over £20.  I also like them because they list the model's height on their website.  Very helpful. 

How to enter the giveaway.

I use Rafflecopter as it is the easiest way I have found of tracking, verifying and following up giveaways.  This giveaway is open internationally for readers and subscribers of 5foot10- 'compers' will be disqualified.  Closes February 16th at 12pm Midnight GMT.  Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stand Tall x

Disclaimer: I reserve the right to amend or cancel this giveaway at any point.  I also reserve the right to disqualify any entrants.  No alternative prize is offered, and no responsibility will be taken once the winner has been selected.

Find: Vintage Jewellery Antique Blue Broach

There is something very special about a pre-loved vintage item.  It has a story, history and is generally unique.    Hard to find, and hard to replace.  Vintage jewellery is something that always draws the magpie in me.  I have a few pieces which I will share with you on 5 foot 10 in due course.  Today I showcase my vintage antique blue stone broach.

Isn't she pretty? My latest purchase, a blue stone antique broach.

This lovely item has stones arranged in a flower shape.  The stones (most likely blue glass with a glittery backing) are set into a sightly rose looking gold inlay.  In some antique broaches the spin locks can become loose so the broach comes undone and falls off easily.  Thankfully the clasp on this broach is holding up quite well.

I spotted this item in a local charity shop and paid the pricey sum of £6.  I would have paid a little bit more as I think it is gorgeous.  I'd love to know what stories it has to tell- cocktail parties (with glasses of Babycham?), graduation ceremonies, christenings, birthday....  It will jazz up my LBDs (Little Black Dresses) or any formal work outfit.  I'm not sure if I could dress it down, but I'm not sure I would want to.  It screams 'Vintage Hollywood Glamour' to me, and yes it is a bit of costume jewellery, but I've always thought Vintage Hollywood knew how to dress and present themselves.

I almost wish I could wear it back to front.

I can't really give you a link to buy one of these, but these sort of broaches do pop up on ebay (link) so do keep an eye on there, or do as I did and pop into your local charity shop.  You get a pre-loved item and the charity gets vital funds.

Are Vintage Broaches wearable in 2014?  Do you wear broaches?

Stand Tall x

Haul: Dorothy Perkins Vintage Prints and Jewels

Dorothy Perkins Haul

After a much needed back massage the other day, I floated into the shops to browse some of the new spring collections (it would be rude not to).  After a long winter, it's always a welcome sight to see spring peeping round the corner.  I found a lovely top and some nice jewellery at bargain prices in Dorothy Perkins which I thought I would share. 

Paisley Print blue top from Dorothy Perkins

Have a heart?

 I picked up this blue and white long line vest top.  If you have a long body (like me) or just hate tops riding up (accidentally tummy flash) then long line tops are the way forward.  I wear vest tops almost daily underneath the rest of my clothes.  They add an extra layer, and keep things covered even when you are reaching for that gorgeous Chanel/Prada/Rebecca Minkoff handbag off the top shelf in Harrods.  I'm a fan of vintage-esque patterns and at just over £5 it was a bargain.  I couldn't find this exact top online but they have similar red one for £5.60 (link) and they have blue ones with capped sleeves (which are probably more wearable right now pre summer link).

Dorothy Perkins Vintage Hollywood Glamour Necklace set £10.00 reduced to £2.40

Dorothy Perkins Vintage Inspired Heart Necklace £6.50 reduced to £1.40

Along with the top, I picked up a couple of pieces of costume jewellery for £1.60 and £2.40.  The glittery heart will add to any outfit and the earring and necklace set will add a bit of statement glamour.  I'd recommend having a look at Dorothy Perkins online and taking advantage of the 20% while its on.  It's also worth noting that if you are a student, Dorothy Perkins will give you a student discount on the sale items too.  Absolutely worth knowing! (I think the code TREAT20 might still work for 20% off, and I had a pop up for free next day delivery if I entered my email address when finding these items online).

Do you like my purchases?  Do you like statement necklaces?

Stand Tall x

(P.s. You might notice 5 foot 10 is undergoing a few changes.  Its now a fashion and lifestyle blog.  Although I am 'tall' the blog is not just for tall readers- its my little corner for fashion and life.  If you have any requests or suggestions, feel free to comment. Thanks)