Food Porn February 21, 2011
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Foodiness, Giveaways/Offers.Tags: Food, food porn, giveaway, kitchenaid
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The image does the talking. Ree Drummond, author of Pioneer Woman, is giving away complete and utter kitchen implement porn. Me wanty.

Yum!
Clothing @ Tesco competition May 12, 2010
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Fashion, Giveaways/Offers.1 comment so far
The lovely Natasha over at Natasha Bailie Vintage Clothing is running a competition to see who can make the best outfit for £30 from Clothing at Tesco. It is a fun challenge, and I would, obviously, very much like winning the £30 prize!
My entry:

Clothing at Tesco Entry
Easy-going, summery and work appropriate, I now really want to own these clothes!
Reebok Competition – THE WINNER! March 15, 2010
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Giveaways/Offers.Tags: competiton, freebies, Sport
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And with no further ado, the winner of the Reebok competition is…
The Lovely Carys!
I will email you later my dear with how to get your freebies!
Getting Fit: Giveaway March 11, 2010
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Giveaways/Offers.Tags: exercise, fitness, reebok
9 comments
Recently I was contacted by Reebok, to see if I wanted to take part in a trial of their EasyTone trainers. In return I was to published an unshaded review on my blog and take part in their online review community. This seemed a pretty fair exchange, and I need to get fit anyway, so I of course said Yes Yes Yes! I will be taking part as soon as their community site goes live, and am quite looking forward to a fair of trainers that will support my feet!
They have also offered a pair of shoes and training kit to a reader of my blog, if they too want to get involved in the testing community that they are building. You don’t have to do anything other trial them and report back your thoughts, views and opinions.
If you want to win these trainers and take part in this trial then all you have to do is leave a comment saying why you want to get fit! Also leave a way that I can get in contact with you so I can let you know if you win!
Closing date 15th March 2010
Book Giveaway: Winner! November 15, 2009
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Books, Giveaways/Offers.Tags: giveaway, winners
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The time has come to announce the winner of my Sloe Gin and Beeswax giveaway!
And……
The winner is no. 3 – Róisín Muldoon
Congratulations! Let me know your address and I will send it out to you!
So What’s New | Fine and Dandy August 19, 2009
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Fashion, Giveaways/Offers, So What's New?, Vintage.Tags: dapper, discount, Fashion, men's fashion, offer, So What's New?, style
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Time for the third installment of So What’s New! I am quite excited about the answers that the lovely Matt from Fine and Dandy is going to give, as he brings something new to my blog. The thing is, you see, that I have never really talked that much about men’s fashion. Due to the constraints of my gender, it rarely crosses my mind to thinks about dapper boys, sexy shirts and beautiful men’s shows – instead, the selfish side of my personality prefers to think about dresses, skirts and unbelievable high heels! This men’s fashion shop, however, is something a little bit special. I was converted the moment I went onto the site and saw the categories of beautiful clothes with a whole section just for bow ties. This up and coming shop is definitely a great supplier of dapper and vintage inspired men’s clothes, a rare resource!
So – onto the questions!
Me: The obvious question – how did you get into designing?
Actually I’m not a designer. I buy the best items I can find for my shop; items I would wear or use. I come from a Broadway theatre management background but for many years I’ve fantasized about opening up my own menswear storefront shop. Given the expense of NYC, its hasn’t been an economic possibility. About a year and a half ago I had the idea to give it a try online. We launched on October 31, 2008, just in time for holiday shopping.
Me: Did you ever expect the success you have ended up having?
The response has been great. I think the timing of our launch was wise. We heard from many desperate shoppers who were ecstatic to find something a little different
Me: What are your inspirations, principles etc? Is there any concept your designs are based on?
I’ve always loved everything vintage. I buy tons of vintage photos on ebay of guys from around the turn of the century. It’ fascinating to see how guys dressed back then. Wow, have times changed. I loved the idea of be INFLUENCED by those early styles, but making it my own and very current.
Me: Aspirations for the future?
We have a lot of things in the works. We’re shooting a lookbook next month for our new collection. We hope to have a pop-up shop for the holidays. And some day we hope to open that storefront shop.
Me: Who are your favourite designers?
Antonio Azzuolo, Philip Sparks, Hacket. All three are dandy to some degree
So there you have it guys – Fine and Dandyfor dapper boys! And, as always, I have managed to get you a lovely discount code to use at the till, for orders over $50 – just enter “ATYPICAL” at any time through September! Exciting eh?!
So What’s New? Every Little Counts August 11, 2009
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Fashion, Giveaways/Offers, So What's New?.Tags: artists, clothing, design, Fashion
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Hi Guys. The time has come for the second instalment of So What’s New, a weekly report featuring upcoming designers, artists and fashion gurus, each with a little individual something to give to the world.
This weeks featured artist is the lovely Amy from Every Little Counts. This gals company produces T-shirts that are in turns inspiring/romantic and just a little bit silly. I am impressed by how there is something for everyone, this is like a whimsical version of threadless! So here are the standard “So What’s New” questions that will reveal to you just what the up-and-coming brand is really all about!
Me: The obvious question – how did you get into designing?
I knew from a very young age I wanted to be a designer. It was a combined interest in costume design and a love for vintage clothing. My mom and I would spend our weekends going to yard sales or watching old movies- Charade, How to Marry a Millionaire, and Pillow Talk…just to name a few of our favorites. I was so inspired that I would just sketch for hours and hours afterward. That’s where it all began.
Me: Did you ever expect the success you have ended up having?
When we started Every Little Counts, I had been working for a number of companies, designing clothing that I was never 100 percent inspired by. When we decided to start our own company, we did so because we wanted to do something we could stand behind, and something that allowed us to indulge our influences and inspirations. Now that we’vedone that, the greatest feeling in the world is hearing positive feedback from customers- or seeing those same customers come back season after season. Its extremely validating to know our strange little assortment of interests strikes a chord with our audience.
Me: What are your inspirations, principles etc? Is there any concept your designs are based on?
Our overall concept is based on the nostalgia and sentiment centered around young love. We make clothes for romantic girls, girls who daydream, fantasize, and fall in love. But this same girl also sees the irony, fun, and craziness of it all.
All of our inspirations are centered around this concept of a girl that loves to love- French New Wave, Anais Nin, PJ Harvey, 80’s rock ballads, old photographs, the soft, natural sensuality of the 70’s, pretty much anything that triggers an emotional reaction…
Me: Aspirations for the future?
We’ve got a lot up our sleeves – men’s, intimates, ready-to-wear, as well as a soundtrack (by Adam, who wrote the song on our homepage) and artwork to fill out the Every Little Counts feel. All are coming soon. Stay tuned and keep up with us on the blog! http://www.every-little-counts.blogspot.com
Me: Who are your favourite designers?
I admire from a distance… Lanvin, Lorick, Lover, Chloe, YSL, and Tibi. But if I am actually shopping- it stick to the reliable and affordable- Urban Outfitters and my favorite vintage haunts.
Click the link above to see the strangely haunting pieces in the Every Little Counts collection, and read here if you fancy hearing beautiful quotes and more at their blog. I am sold as much on this brands identity, inspirations and heart warming concept as much as I am by the clothes! As usual, I have grabbed you a bargain, my wonderful readers – type in “atypical” at the checkout to receive a 15% discount!
Ooh, a giveaway May 29, 2009
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Giveaways/Offers, Thrifting, Vintage.Tags: giveaway
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I thought you guys might appreciate this lovely giveaway…
Giveaway – Vintage makeup case – END MAY 2009 April 20, 2009
Posted by Lauren Cooke in Giveaways/Offers, Vintage.Tags: antiques, competition, Fashion, freebie, giveaway, prize, vintage
21 comments
Well, it’s my first ever giveaway. It’s not a publicity stunt, although I am aware how many people (myself included, occasionally) google search “blog giveaways”. It’s actually the case that I found a beautiful item at my local car boot sale, and simply couldn’t leave it behind. The problem is, I have no display space, so had to justify it to myself very hard! My final argument? If I buy it and give it away, I know someone with a penchant for pretty vintage items and with somewhere for it to go will have it!
The item: A beautiful pale pink and white vintage make up tub from Yardley, originally a pale pink makeup base/foundation. The tub measure approx 7cm in diameter, and can be reused a cute blush pot or with top up foundations. If this is the case you will need to clean it, as it has traces of the original makeup inside!
As you can see, the front of this lovely box has a raised bee, and is labeled Yardley London. Soo cute and very kitsch! The back still has the original instructions for applying the makeup!
I can’t work out if this beauty is Bakelite? It feels it, but to be honest it could be any type of vintage plastic.
An interesting item to convert into a working makeup pot – with the addition of a cheap compact mirror and a foundation top-up this could be reused!
Itf you want a chance of winning this item, leave me a comment – and it would be nice to know where/what you plan to do with it! Make sure to leave your email, or a link to your blog, otherwise I won’t be able to find you!