Paper crush...Rifle Paper Co. greeting cards

Well, it’s not a utopian myth that we, the people are all born with certain talents. Actually, the secret of our mission on this journey called life is to develop these talents into something real. The creativity it’s not a talent per se, creativity is turning something you love to do into your daily job.

That’s why the story of Rifle Paper Co., founded by illustrator and paper goods designer Anna Bond has amazed me. Talented Anna with her husband Nathan started small business that today is recognizable worldwide brand offering all the kinds of paper goods that you can imagine. 

Besides online shop, couple also owns stationary boutique based in Florida. Anna’s illustrations are playful, charming and spread lot of happiness. And is there anything better than good old paper card to express your happiness for someone else?

Shop online here 
See Anna's blog here

The New Look; To Be Adored Spring 2013

Loyal TBA fans after past two collections from the label were probably wondering where all those Peter Pan collars disappeared. Binbin McNiven, designer at TBA, over the past few years has created label that was synonym for sweet, but very refined and casual fashion. Label’s pretty frocks adorned with collars over the years have been on the lust list of various IT girls and style icons. (Think of Miss Chung.) 

Although TBA in past collections did offered very clean lines for such a cute ensembles, it’s obvious that new collections have more of this ascetic, Scandinavian vibe. Binbin might had replaced sweetness with sensuality, but some things such as refined detailing, proper tailoring and excellent fabrics haven’t changed. 

The new slouchy silhouette of TBA ensembles, doesn’t exclude hand embroidered motifs, sheer inserts and panels.
One more novelty at TBA is quirkiness so except of polka dot garments there are cream items featuring bold collage print, and along with star appliqués  designer added funny pacmans to lace dresses. 

We forgave Binbin the collars, but we truly appreciate she stayed faithful to organza. To be adored over the years has taught us that organza is most perfect summer fabric. When it’s used properly, of course. And Binbin knows this best.

See/ Shop Collection here

Get ready for spring with House of Fraser

Dearest readers, When Alice from House of Fraser asked me recently for a guest post here on misslikey I gladly accept it. They have so many pretty things so it was really hard for Yours Truly to pick the loveliest ones. Words are by dear Alice. Enjoy!

In my eyes, spring is a time for out with the old and in with the new, and that means, In order to make room for all of your new gorgeous spring clothes; you need to give your wardrobe a good spring clean. No-one likes cobwebs hanging off your clothes, or moth eaten floral garments, so take advice from the ladies who know how to keep their closets perfect.

For most of us, spring means floral dresses, cute ballet pumps, and the ability to have a casual stroll through your local park on a warm evening. As we are coming up to that beautiful time of year, I thought it was only appropriate to write a spring guide for all of you girly girls out there who love colour, patterns and my all-time favourite, the satchel bag! 

I am always torn with the decision of what style to opt for in the spring and summer seasons. As much as i love the look of linen trousers and a casual smock top, I must admit a summer dress is always my first choice when choosing my spring outfits. 

Nautical 

In case you haven’t already heard, blue and white stripes are going to make a comeback, which means it’s totally ok to walk around the middle of London looking like we own a yacht. Blue and white striped dresses are my all-time spring favourite. They are so classy and elegant, and go with absolutely everything. Tan is a fantastic colour to put with blue and white, and especially in regards to shoes and bags, which means you can’t go wrong with a statement bag to go with your nautical theme! 

  

The patterned dress 

For all of you lovers of anything patterned you are in luck this season, as it appears that patterns and floral are the nation’s favourite choice for the spring and summer seasons. To me it doesn’t matter what patterned dress you choose as long as it has a bit of personality. Patterns are gorgeous to wear if you want to emphasise your beautiful curves, yet hide any unwanted lumps and bumps. Don’t be afraid to use colour this spring, the beautiful sunshine means its ok to wear bright and vibrant colours. 

In Search...Suzy Bishop dress

Our love for mod dresses in style of Ye-Ye girls has deepened when Suzy Bishop, teenager who is on the lookout for adventure of her life, showed up. Before Suzy, we were searching for frocks with collars and cuffs in thrift stores hoping to find something in our size but it was almost impossible. Luckily for us, these days we are able to find not just artworks or cool geeky stuff but also dresses influenced by dear Suzy.
Quirky fan of Francoise Hardy that walks around in knee socks and saddle shoes also inspired Katie-Louise Ford who created three adorable Suzy frocks for Audrey Grace Boutique. (See here.)

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose to be?
Misslikey would be Suzy, definitely.

ILLUSTRATIONS: Le Temps de l'amour Greeting card by Helice Wen on Etsy, Suzy print by Biberklau on Etsy. 

March diary on Instagram

☂Healthy breakfast including fresh fruit is of extreme importance for me. ☂In March there was just one rainy day that was enough warm for my vintage mint trench coat. ☂I am the March baby. I’ve recently found out that number 1 represents the Sun. ☂There’s nothing better than white hosiery on pale T-bar or Mary Jane flats.

♣I love men who bring flowers. Especially when flowers are tulips. ♣I deeply appreciate vintage blue dresses with trim detail. I found this baby that I named Renoir dress on flea market 2 years ago.♣ This self-portrait was taken right after my haircut. My hair grows like crazy. ♣Being freelancer can be amazing. But it can be tricky sometimes because I can lose focus easily. That’s why I love my Frankie Daily Journal- It makes hard things lovely.

☂I bought this floral dress in charity shop not long ago with intention to alter it. It was huge and wide so I created new waistline and made a little scalloped collar.☂March was also time of moving to another apartment. I move a lot. It was 12th time in 10 years that I am moving.☂This month I finally opened my etsy store named Little Cloth Girl where I am selling vintage looking drawstring bags and tote bags. In future, I would like to make clothes, but we will see what life will bring. ☂On one cloudy day in March, I found this children story book on flea market. Book is illustrated by Jiří Trnka who was a Czech puppet-maker, illustrator, motion-picture animator and film director.

♣I found on the flea market this burgundy beret and I adore it beeacuse it’s very large. ♣0n 8th of the month was International Women’s Day. I am very proud to be a female. ♣When moving chaos was finally over, I spend one day in shorts and my cozy polka dot sweater reading Wuthering Heights. ♣And yes, I received a first order for my etsy shop; I was so happy and the drawstring bag I sold was one of my favorite bags I ever made. I hope it will bring pretty times to my costumer.

Shoe crush... Golden Ponies handmade

Golden Ponies are adorable handcrafted leather goodies created in Mexico by Erandi Gutiérrez. I found out about them via beautiful Jane of Fractured Moonlight who told me about Golden Ponies when I was in search for T-bar or Mary Jane flats. Golden Ponies offer wide range of our favourite models of shoes at affordable price (around 50 $) and in half sizes. 

Another great thing about Golden Ponies is that these women's shoes are handmade to order and you can choose the colour and material of your favourite model. Marianne t-bar flats are just adorable, so as Biba Mary Jane heels inspired by Biba in 1960s or Mia flats with ankle strap. They also have perfect models of lace up boots, oxfords and brogues. I haven’t placed my first order yet, because I am still in doubt of the color and material of my first Marianne flats. But will have to actually decide about this soon to have them with me in these upcoming days of spring. 

See Golden Ponies website to shop these pretty shoes online, or visit Golden Ponies Etsy shop.

A week in Orla Kiely Pre-spring 2013

✎On Monday I work. And learn. Knowledge is food for our souls, and all we petite humans have in this world. I wear poplin trousers in Little Galleon print with little boats. I pair these with vanilla cardigan that has embroidered trim detailing.

☂On Tuesday I go to coffee shop, order a good, strong coffee and wear silk twill dress with necktie in Around the World print. I read and watch the passers-by that move to their own worlds. I create in my mind my world as a poet who travels in caravan around the world.

♥On Wednesday I wear silk A-line red dress and on top of it milano coat in creamy color of vanilla and gold buttons. I look like a cupcake as I meet my lover. We walk and talk about Umberto Eco and the truth. Later we do something I would never say here.

♠On Tuesday, as the end of the week slowly approaches, I make myself a cup of tea. I listen to the music alone and do something creative in the afternoon. I wear creamy blouse with long sleeves and double scallop collar and short navy pleated skirt. In the evening I go to see French film. Later I order myself a glass of the red wine. I laugh and I smoke. My friends make me laugh. 

♧On Friday I wear mustard dress with fitted bodice and flared skirt. I go shopping and buy myself a navy beret. Exactly like one that friend brought from Paris and I lost it. I cheer myself up with a bouquet of spring flowers. Hyacinths, tulips and wood violets are my favourite. They remind me of my childhood. 

♫On Saturday I dance. In creamy dress with black embroidery and navy coat, I release all my fears, sadness and sorrow and let my body flow.

☀On Sunday I pick two blue dresses that have the scent of the early spring and color of the sky, and I put them in my suitcase. I run away with my lover.

See Orla Kiely Pre-Spring 2013 Lookbook here

Shop collection here

p.s. I created facebook page for misslikey. Come and like it. Only good fashion and pretty things to be shared.