Black Pearl Through the Ages!

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!

">

Black Pearl Shop to Close 20th Jan

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!

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...

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!

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!!

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

HOW GOOD IS THIS TATTOO??

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!

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

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

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

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

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!

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!)