Black Pearl Boutique

Black Pearl Through the Ages!

2011-02-18T08:57:00.000-08:00

Now that the shop has closed I took some time to go through my photos from over the years and compile a montage of images from the stock to details of the decorations, and also some shots of the parties we had over the years (mainly Halloween - hence the crazy costumes!). Enjoy!

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Black Pearl Shop to Close 20th Jan

2011-01-04T08:20:00.000-08:00

Please note that the Black Pearl shop in London will be closing as of 20th January. As much as I’ve loved running and working in the shop, after six and a half years I have decided it’s time for a change. I’m still going to be making jewellery and selling online, so don’t panic! I’m basically ‘downsizing’, (as is so popular these days!) which will hopefully free up my time to create even more fabulous items, and make the website even better.

I will miss selling the amazing vintage dresses sourced from Frillseekers and Black Cotton Vintage, but just click on their names and you can find where you can buy from them in the future. In the meantime, if you live in London do come by the shop as there are bargains to be had! There is a sale on selected jewellery, accessories, vintage clothing and all remaining What Katie Did lingerie. Plus some old stock I have been coming across as I begin the task of clearing out my workspace and storage! I will also be selling some of the decorative items and framed pictures I have had on display over the years.

Grazia Time!

2010-11-13T04:01:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it but it's nearly time for the Christmas shopping extravaganza that is Grazia Night here in Carnaby. Next Thursday 18th November from 5pm - 9pm, come down for 20% off in most of the shops in the Carnaby area, including Black Pearl! Just click on the link to register for a ticket which will then be emailed to you.

It's all in the details...

2010-11-13T03:54:00.001-08:00

Some gorgeous dresses arrived from Black Cotton Vintage yesterday, check out the amazing details in sequins, lace, rhinestones, velvet....all dresses are originals from the 1940s and 1950s. Prices range from £70 - £149.

Bow, bows, bows!

2010-11-13T03:46:00.001-08:00

I have had LOADS of fun making up these hairclips and hairbands, it's bows galore! All hairbands are £12 and hairclips are £5. You can find a selection of the hairbands of the accessories page of the website.

More vintage dresses!!

2010-04-26T09:20:00.001-07:00

Black Pearl is now stocking fabulous clothing from Black Cotton Vintage, check out some of the great pieces below...

HOW GOOD IS THIS TATTOO??

2010-04-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

My friend Bev stopped by the shop to say hello last week, and showed me her latest tattoo - a finger moustache!! Genius.

Vintage dresses just in!

2010-03-03T05:42:00.001-08:00

Yesterday I visited Caroline of Frillseekers Vintage in her Walthamstow-based vintage emporium to select some pieces for Black Pearl. Here are a few of my faves...

House of Blueeyes - Revolution & Love

2010-02-23T08:25:00.000-08:00

Saturday 20th was the House of Blueeyes show during fashion week, which was AMAZING. We took inspiration from 70s drag queens The Cockettes, and it was a riot of colour and texture. I made silk feather headbands which I dyed in shades of pink, blue, yellow, orange and purple. Kristin, one of the models, brought her dog Butters, so I decided to make him matching feather collar. Kristin writes a great blog called The Clothes Whisperer, do check it out. Here are some of my pictures from throughout the day...

Valentines Day Window Display

2010-02-21T04:53:00.000-08:00

Yep this is a bit late, I only just got round to uploading the photos, but here is the display I did for Valentines Day. It features plastic hot lips, cupid cut outs, and a banner saying 'Happy Valentines Day'. Classy!

I have since taken down the banner and cupids, but I'm in love with the hot lips and so decided to keep them up for a bit longer!

Aprons by The Domestic Dame

2010-02-08T04:06:00.000-08:00

New for February - gorgeous organza aprons made in California by Jocelyn and Lauren of The Domestic Dame! Possibly the most glamourous aprons you will ever see, these ones are made of sheer organza fabric with a heart shaped pocket. Black Pearl is currently stocking the mint green, pale pink, black bow print and cream bow print. Ideal to wear when vacuuming, dusting, cooking (nothing too messy though) or why not wear one out over a cute dress or skirt?

New Flower Hairclips

2010-02-08T04:01:00.000-08:00

Some fabulous flower hair clips have just arrived in store to brighten up this gloomy February! Made by Laura Bennett of Retro Glamour Girl, they come in amazing colours and styles including hibiscus, gardenia, rose, daisy and orchid. I'll be listing them in the accessories section on the website today!

Show Me Your Wardrobe!

2010-02-08T03:52:00.000-08:00

So I am very excited to be in Elle magazine this month, in the 'Show Me Your Wardrobe' feature. Show Me Your Wardrobe began as a blog by stylist and journalist Jackie Dixon. She photographs people in the fashion and creative industries in their six favourite outfits, and Elle choose some to feature in the magazine each month. It was hard narrowing down my wardrobe to a few outfits but these were the ones I chose...(note the small gardenia hairclip and black mini beret, avaiable in...oh, Black Pearl!)

Black Pearl Christmas Decorations!

2009-11-24T06:10:00.000-08:00

So a couple of days ago I put up my Christmas decorations, which this year feature black, gold and silver baubles and glittery stars, black and gold hanging wrapped presents and a bit of a party scene involving cocktail shakers and martini glasses. They don't look nearly as good in the pictures, you'll have to come to the shop to see the full effect!

Pandemonia on Carnaby St!!

2009-11-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

The good people of Carnaby St got a bit of a shock this afternoon when latex clad girl about town Pandemonia posed for a photoshoot for Void magazine. Luckily I was there to capture the action!

Black Pearl Featured on Adorn London

2009-11-19T05:18:00.000-08:00

Black Pearl has been featured on the fabulous Jewellery website Adorn, which has up-to-the-minute information on jewellery trends and designers. Click here to check it out!

The Black Pearl Halloween Party 09

2009-10-31T11:09:00.000-07:00

To show off all the changes I made to the shop I decided to throw a Halloween party last Thursday. It was SO much fun, and there were some pretty amazing costumes. I went as Paris Hilton, which required a lot of fake tan and clip in hair extensions. I looked pretty hot, as she would say. Haha! Also I created a bar at the back of the shop and added a pink neon Bar sign. I think I want to have a bar there all the time now. Probably wouldn't get much work done though...

Makeover!

2009-10-31T10:55:00.000-07:00

Over the past week I have been making some changes to the shop - re-arranging cabinets, painting things black, changing the displays around. It's been a lot of work, but I'm quite impressed with the results if I do say so myself - take a look...

My fabulous new full size mannequin was originally living in the What Katie Did boutique in Notting Hill, but they were looking for a new home for her. I happily obliged, and her she is looking fabulous in a black vintage dress.

House of Blueeyes - S/S 2010 I FEEL LOVE

2009-09-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

It was the House of Blueeyes show last Friday, which was pretty amazing. I had been working on gold leather studded accessories to go with the futuristic disco theme. Here are some pictures of my accessories on the lovely Julius, Theo and Valeria... Prepare to be wearing this hotness come next Spring!!!

New Bombshell Dresses

2009-08-24T09:51:00.000-07:00

After the media frenzy surrounding Bombshell (Nigella Lawson bought 12 of the wrap dresses!) a new design has been added - called the Nigella dress! It has a full skirt and three quarter length sleeves perfect for Autumn.

Laya Gaga wears Black Pearl for House of Blueeyes!!

2009-08-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

So exciting, Lady Gaga wears the spike and chain neckpiece from my collection for House of Blueeyes. Shot by Ellen Von Unwerth, the images and interview are in the new issue of Out magazine. If you cast your mind back to February this year the same neckpiece was worn by Alice Dellal in the Blueeyes fashion show. Gaga looks amazing!

I love these shoes!!

2009-08-13T04:59:00.001-07:00

Shoe designer Aruna Seth is having a sale on her website, ooh if money was no object...click here to see the full range.

Some holiday snaps...

2009-08-13T04:34:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a week in Chicago and thought I'd put up a few of my pictures!

We saw the White Sox Play. Technically we're Cubs fans but they were out of town.

Um, how amazing is this wedding cake??

A cool Art Deco building.

Some pretty flowers.

Really?!

Some cool record covers in a shop window.

I love some flashy signage.

Another pretty flower.

The view at night from my aunts rooftop.

2009-08-13T04:27:00.000-07:00

New Knickers!!

2009-07-02T09:58:00.001-07:00

Just arrived - delightful knickers from Playful Promises. Their Lost at Sea and Pin Up Tins are perfect for Black Pearl. The Lost at Sea range has three styles featuring sailor girls, skulls, swallows and hibiscus flowers. The Pin Up knickers come in plain black with bows, black with pink flamingos or ivory with a black bow and trim, all with their own matching tin packaging. Lost at Sea knickers are £12 each and Pin Up Knickers are £15.

NEW IN - PIN UP PLAYING CARDS!!

2009-05-13T07:47:00.001-07:00

Back in 2005 when I first opened Black Pearl I stocked the first edition of Heidi and Sabina's Pin Up Playing Cards. They quickly sold out and 4 years later the Vegas-based girls have produced a much anticipated second edition which have just arrived in Black Pearl. Priced at £19 per pack, these are bound to liven up any card game. Buy them for your significant other and he'll think you the coolest girlfriend ever.

Vintage Summer Dresses

2009-05-07T10:05:00.001-07:00

Here are some vintage summer dresses I which recently came in, take a look!

100 Years of Selfridges...featuring Black Pearl(!)

2009-05-07T09:58:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite shops in London - Selfridges - is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and to mark the occasion they have unveiled an amazing window display. I was asked to make some giant yellow bows for the display (hello, bows? Yes!) and here are the finished results!

Each window is done entirely in yellow and black (the famous Selfridges colours) and looks totally amazing. Get down and have a look if you're in town!

Pin Up Glamour

2009-04-18T07:35:00.000-07:00

I recently had photographer Tony Rusecki take some shots of some Black Pearl dresses and accessories with great results, here are a few of my favourites:

Hats, hats and more hats

2009-03-20T10:13:00.000-07:00

So here's what I made with all the vintage flowers (these were SO much fun to make!):

I'm now hat obsessed and can't stop making them...

I can also make to order, for example if you need to match a dress. Hey it's nearly wedding season!

Ooh Look What I Made!

2009-03-08T09:43:00.000-07:00

I love a bow, as you may have noticed, and have been busy making some awesome over-sized bow headbands. I put them out in the shop a couple of days ago and pretty much everyone who sees them says something about Minnie Mouse. Yep she likes a bow too. I love them and am planning more colour combinations...

One of my lovely mannequins wearing a black satin bow headband with a giant pom-pom accessory by Jo Shiers

Tokyo Jane

2009-03-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

I recently got some new bracelets by Danish brand Tokyo Jane in store, take a look! There are so many colour combinations it's hard to choose, but they look great layered up so you can go for more than one. Bracelets are £18 each and are only available in the shop, not online. I usually only ever get one of each design as there are so many different ones.

Hats in the making...

2009-03-02T10:27:00.001-08:00

Here are some fabulous vintage millinery flowers which arrived this morning, SO EXCITING. I can't wait to start decorating some hats with them. I think they date back to the 1940s, and most have 'Made in Japan' labels. I'm thinking cute fascinators and pillbox hats with veils, perfect for spring!

New Instant Vintage Dresses

2009-03-02T10:23:00.000-08:00

Ooh, a new dress from Instant Vintage arrived this morning! It's called Jane, and features stretch leopard print with a black waistband. Designer Anna Coleman is busy working on her spring line, so expect more to come!

House of Blueeyes

2009-02-25T05:28:00.000-08:00

Last night saw the highly anticipated fashion show from House of Blueeyes, which I had been busy making accessories for. House of Blueeyes is a collaboration between stylist/artist/designer Johnny Blueeyes and various fashion and accessories designers. The theme was Rock'n'Roll Vampires and it totally rocked. I spent the day backstage, watching the madness and helping dress the models (there were about 40 in total!). Probably the most exciting part is that model Alice Dellal made an appearance on the catwalk, wearing an awesome neck collar I had made (along with some gloves, a cape and a thong. Brilliant.).

Here are some of my snaps from backstage and the after party, which was in a fabulously seedy strip club in Hackney. Oh also note my awesome gold lame dress, found in Beyond Retro for £20. Bargain!

This is Victoria Grant, she makes AMAZING hats

Alice Dellal wearing my collar.

A LOT of makeup was required, with copious amounts of glitter

Jodie Harsh getting ready

Johnny giving a pep talk before the show. With a few expletives.

Me and Johnny

Be My Valentine...

2009-02-11T06:56:00.000-08:00

Ooh it's nearly that time, if you're boyfriend hasn't got something already (which, let's face it, he probably hasn't) here are a few suggestions:
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We had some fabulous coverage in You Magazine (Mail on Sunday) in their Valentines gift feature:

We had such a great response that the Pearl Heart earrings have sold out in gold, but don't fear, they will be back early next week, if not before. We still have them in silver if you prefer.

In other news I am working on a very exciting project in conjuction with the House of Blueeyes. Johnny has asked me to make some accessories for his show on 23rd February during London Fashion Week. I can't give too much away, but rest assured I will tell all about it after the show.

Black Pearl Christmas Decorations!

2008-11-30T06:10:00.001-08:00

Yes, I have been busy preparing the Christmas window and earlier this week I stayed well into the night to put it up. I have to say it's quite impressive, behold -

The rather attractive lady in the centre is surrounded by present boxes with fabulous gifts tumbling out (all from Black Pearl of course) while on the phone (I'm guessing to Santa, thanking him for getting is so right).

Christmas Frocks

2008-11-30T05:57:00.000-08:00

New in this week are some amazing dresses which are perfect for the party season! The fabulous Bombshell wrap dress is now available in a beautiful silk in shades of magenta, red, purple, turquoise and green. Check them out below!

I also had a delivery this week from What Katie Did, including some of their Striptease bralettes and knickers in black, purple and claret, the ever popular frilly knickers in black, the classic maitresse suspender belt in black, and some of the new Glamour items including the girdle and waist cincher.

Chateau Bizarre

2008-11-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

I just had an email from Lilah at Chateau Bizarre to let me know there is now a review and link to my website from her site. Since 2001, Chateau Bizarre has been dazzling readers with street fashion and unusual finds, reviewed from tiny neighborhood stores, co-ops, family businesses, festival vendors, one-person operations, crafting collectives, and other independents all over the planet. Do have a look, you'll be amazed at what you can find. I managed to find a website selling 'Ferret Couture'. The mind reels!

2008-11-21T08:09:00.000-08:00

We’re feeling pretty Christmassy here in Carnaby, what with the Christmas lights going up last week. For those who haven’t seen them, Carnaby St is now adorned with giant inflatable snowmen and snowflakes. Another thing synonymous with Christmas is…the Grazia Carnaby shopping event! Yes, next Thursday evening (27th November) all retailers in the area (Black Pearl included) will be giving 20% off all merchandise. All you have to do is register online at www.carnaby.co.uk and you will be emailed a ticket. Bring the ticket on the night and enjoy amazing discounts from 5 – 9pm. If past events are anything to go by it’s going to be busy! If you have this weeks edition of Grazia there is a three page article about the event, including a page about Carnaby entrepreneurs – with me in the top left corner!

I have been updating the website over the past few days, so do have a look. There are lots of new and exciting jewels, including a fabulous flying horseshoe necklace and some pieces mixing vintage and new beads and charms. Also, good news in that the large swallow necklace is back! He had a little holiday but is now back on the necklaces page. He will also be available in gold plated soon, along with a brand new jewellery collection I have designed. It has been a long time coming, but it should (fingers crossed) be arriving mid December and will feature some amazing pieces (inlcluding an envelope pendant which opens to reveal a secret message! It’s too exciting).

All the gloves are back in stock on the accessories page, after proving to be very popular. Perfect for those Christmas parties. We also have some new flower hairclips instore, which feature beautiful roses in dark red, dusky blue and mauve. The larger ones have both a hairclip and brooch clip so can be worn either way.

Finally here is another date for your diary – on the evening of 11th December we will be having our own little soiree in Black Pearl with some wine, and mince pies (of course!). Do come and join us! That’s all for now, hopefully see you next Thursday!

Discarded Jewels

2008-11-05T05:47:00.001-08:00

Introducing the new jewellery service by Black Pearl: Discarded Jewels.

IF YOUR FAVOURITE ITEMS OF JEWELLERY ARE BROKEN, DON’T DESPAIR, BLACK PEARL ARE HERE TO THE RESCUE!!!

Black Pearlettes, you’re in for a treat. From this week, Fiona Deffenbaugh, the founder of Black Pearl will be turning your old trinkets into treasure. If you’ve lost an earring, broken a necklace, or your watch has stopped working, don’t despair! Here at Black Pearl’s bustling HQ, Fiona will re-invent your old pieces into something fabulous with a brand new lease of life.

Fiona also has a vast collection of old and new jewellery parts which can be combined (if needed) with your own pieces to create a one off totally personal piece. Below is a picture of the fabulous Johnny Blueeyes (stylist to Beth Ditto and Scissor Sisters, among others) wearing a Black Pearl custom necklace.

So what are you waiting for? Grab all of your discarded jewellery and bring it into the store for a major make-over. Prices vary depending on the size and detail of the finished piece, averaging about £50.

New Shop Display!

2008-10-31T09:35:00.001-07:00

Here are some pictures of my fancy new jewellery display:

And new in yesterday are some fabulous Pom Pom accessories by my friend Jo Shiers. They come is small, medium and large and are made of net with ribbons attached, so you can wear them around the neck, wrist, or wherever you want really!

Black Pearl in the press...

2008-10-02T04:21:00.001-07:00

So we've had a couple of press items recently, which is always exciting. The first was some gloves and earrings from Black Pearl used in a shoot for the current issue of i-D magazine (one of my favourites!). They used the ivory lace gloves in a couple of shots, and a pair of vintage earrings in pretty much every shot, the stylist must have really loved them!

And in other exciting news, Jaime Winstone was spotted out and about in London wearing a Black Pearl magenta bow necklace! Look closely - you can just about see it!

I made the necklaces for an event with Daisy Lowe during London Fashion Week, where everyone was given a goody bag with various goodies. Jaime was obviously very taken with her necklace, maybe because it matches her red hair?! The necklaces are now on the website if you want to buy one, they are also available in gold and silver. I made 40 in total, here is a picture before they were packaged up:

New News

2008-10-02T03:54:00.000-07:00

Finally! I have the new Bombshell wrap dresses in sizes 10 - 18! They were delivered yesterday and look amazing. At the moment they come in black linen, a black and green Japanese bird print, leopard print, and one special gold/green glittery fabric. Ooh have a look:

The new ones have been modified for a better fit, and now retail at £120. They have been so popular, the style just seems to suit everyone.

In other clothes news, here are some pictures of another new label, Instant Vintage. I love this line, I had the designer Anna Coleman make me the Girl Friday dress (shown below in red) and the 'Pencil Me Thin' skirt (shown below in tweed) in dark brown, and I wear them all the time! As well as the stock I have in the shop, Anna can also custom make pieces if you want a certain size or colour.

On the jewellery side of things I have been hard at work on some new pieces, which are quite different to what I have done before. Next week I will be doing a bit of DIY in the shop (well, my Dad will be doing the DIY part, I will be mainly instructing), in order to create a new display to showcase the new things. They are a lot bigger and more intricate as you will see in these sneak preview pictures:

So these beauties and more will be in the shop by the end of next week, do come and have a look! I'm especially loving the Faberge egg style pendants, they are a lot of fun to make.

Oh and here are some new nipple tassels, just to round things off!

OK?!

2008-08-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

If any of you are OK readers (don't worry, it's nothing to be ashamed of) you may have spotted none other that Jordan/Katie Price/Andre wearing a Black Pearl Necklace! It's the Pink Bow Anchor necklace in gold, and if you want to buy it, just click here! And if you want to find out about Katie's family life and her plans to adopt, Cheryl Cole on weight loss and her diet, and Jennifer Aniston on marriage and baby plans, just buy OK! OK?

Hats and Handbags

2008-07-29T05:01:00.000-07:00

Well I don't know where July has gone, I just realised the last blog I posted was 17th June - I've had my hair done again since then! I've been busy updating my website with new jewellery, and I also added three of my favourite pairs of gloves which can now be bought online. To view the site, just click here.

New this week in-store are some fabulous hats by Sakura designs. Emma has done a new twist on two favourite designs, the top hat and heart shaped hat, adding leopard print and beautiful peacock feathers.

Also new are some great bags by Voodoo Betty, with bamboo handles large enough to fit over your shoulder it's the perfect summer bag. I have it in a bright pin up print, and dark tattoo print:

I'm going to visit Caroline at the Frillseekers studio tonight to pick up some vintage dresses, stay tuned to see what I find!

MAJOR NEWS. (I got a haircut!)

2008-06-17T06:34:00.000-07:00

Yes, I decided it was time for a change, and that change was a fringe. I have an amazing retro hair salon right opposite me in Kingly Court, called 'It's Something Hells', run by French couple Miss Betty and Mister Ducktail. The interior is to die for - pink walls, red velvet curtains, leopard print lamps, chandeliers....! I kept seeing ladies with fabulous hair walking out, and knew they would do a fabulous job. So here are the results!

Ooh look - new hair!

Miss Betty and Mister Ducktail

In other news, a delivery of gloves arrived yesterday. The last lot went so well I re-ordered the best selling styles and some new ones. I stuck to black, white and ivory (with a red pair thrown in for good measure) as they had been the most popular. Perfect for weddings, Ascot - or just a spot of shopping I think.

Trophy Queen bags are in!!

2008-06-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I got a delivery of fabulous Trophy Queen bags and wallets, and promptly unpacked everything and put it out in the shop (not before posing with as many as I could - see below!). All Trohpy Queen products are designed by owner Jenny Parker and made in the USA. Jenny is obsessed with hot rods and vintage motorcycles, which is reflected in her designs...

Sunday Times Style

2008-06-02T05:36:00.000-07:00

I recently made some custom headbands for a shoot in the Sunday Times Style Magazine, and it was in yesterday's issue! The stylist Olly Paton asked me to make some denim headbands, one plain and one with a giant bow (my kind of thing!) for a denim shoot. I was really pleased with them and shall be making some for the shop this week (I'm also thinking of a version with a smaller bow, in leopard print!). Anyway, here they are...

Radio Heart

2008-05-26T05:28:00.000-07:00

I just thought I'd let you know that the new Futureheads video for Radio Heart features a few things from Black Pearl - mainly the gold bow necklace the actress is wearing, and also a couple of the dresses draped around her room. The video was styled by my good friend Victoria Cumming who always tries to incorporate some Black Pearl goods in whatever she does - thanks Vicky!

Hi Daisy!

2008-05-19T04:51:00.000-07:00

Eagle-eyed magazine addict Sarah (of Chelsea Rebelle) spotted none other than Daisy Lowe wearing a Black Pearl hair bow in Rubbish magazine. Well, actually it's more of a hard back book than a magazine, it's pretty impressive. In a hilarious shoot called 'A Suitable Boy' Daisy meets various suitors looking to claim her heart while her parents look on in horror...

Black Pearl in Grazia!

2008-05-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, Black Pearl is listed in the 'Where's hot on Carnaby' page in this week's Grazia Magazine! The magazine ran a promotion for the Carnaby Shopping event in association with Grazia which will be on 29th May. You can register at www.carnaby.co.uk for free tickets, which means you get 20% off in all of the shops in the Carnaby area, Black Pearl included. The event starts at 5pm and finishes at 9pm. More importantly, look - it's me! I will say that I had no forewarning that there would be a photographer, it's not bad considering!

New Things!!

2008-05-09T09:37:00.000-07:00

I had a day off yesterday and came in this morning to find the flower hair clips I ordered had arrived, yay! I spent this morning unpacking them and putting them on display - voila!

Perfect for this fabulous weather we're having I think you'll agree. Also this week I had the pleasure of going to the studio of Frillseekers vintage and picking some pieces for the shop which was very exciting. It's like shopping, but not for me, but just as good. I had a good rummage and came away with about 20 dresses, my favourite of which is this one...

...just look at the cute bow detail! (I'm a sucker for bows). Here is how the rest of the rail looks...

I was away in Madrid for a few days last week (stupidly forgot my camera, but will hopefully get some pics from the trip to post), but before I left I had these rings made...

People have been asking if I sell rings for so long I thought I'd better get some. I used some charms I had already which usually go on necklaces, and had them soldered them onto rings, they worked out pretty well!

Shore Leave

2008-04-21T07:19:00.000-07:00

So it's been a busy weekend, apart from working in the shop on Saturday I was out in Hackney on Friday night and Whitechapel on Saturday night. Friday was 'Girls Can't DJ' hosted by Heather and Gemma AKA London Loves. They proved that girls can in fact DJ, as I recalled when leaving at the sensible time of 2.30am while my friends danced to Britney's 'Piece of Me'. Oh well, some of us have to work.

Saturday night was spent at The George Tavern, at Shore Leave. Hosted by Trixie Malicious and friends (incidentally she also appears in my last blog), it was a night of rum-swilling and ass-shaking: SHORE LEAVE is a night for love-sick sailor boys and girls, world weary sea-pilots, stowaways, jazz heads, immigrants and lovers. All under the roof of the George Tavern on Commercial Road, tales of the sea and strange foreign ports will be told, with Rockabilly, Jazz, fucked up Sea Shanty’s and chanson from far flung ports. Here is some photographic evidence:

The Black Pearl Luau

2008-04-18T04:30:00.000-07:00

As I have just started this blog there are a few things I feel need to be written about even though they happened a while ago. For this reason I bring you some pictures from a Hawaiian party I had in the shop in February. I served rum punch (complete with cocktail umbrellas, cherries and straws), gave everyone leis, and there was a performance by the fabulous Trixie Malicious. Behold:

Oh and this is me - Hi!

Welcome to Black Pearl!

2008-04-16T06:12:00.000-07:00

First off, meet the ladies of Black Pearl, look how beautifully they work those hats! The one on the left is a vintage mannequin acquired from someone's garage. I went through a bit of a papier-mache phase and painstakingly covered her in torn up bits of paper printed with an old letter (which I found at Spitalfields market - there is a whole story to it, maybe I'll post it sometime...). The lady on the right is covered in an entire reel of ribbon (again, another marathon task, I seem to do a lot of those). The fabulous hats are a mixture of Sakura designs and a couple I made myself (like the pink sparkly one - ha ha!). Just in shot are some bras and knickers from the new What Katie Did collection (anyone into retro 50s style will probably know what I'm talking about - if not go here). The shelf above holds some of my knick-knacks and ephemera (or make that tasteful and well thought-out objects of desire!) - including an old ship in a bottle and a plastic lobster holding a telephone.

New in Black Pearl this week are these darling retro sunglasses - Lolita heart shaped or 50s filmstar - take your pick! Oh and they're sitting on a table covered in old postcards, again during the papier-mache phase (oh the memories, maybe I'll take it up again, I could try something ambitious like a television, or someone's cat, or maybe not...)