Its like a bitter divorce...

Hi people,

So unfortunately I have more bad news to bring you and it is as I have said above like a bad break up I am left feeling angry, confused, betrayed, bitter and wondering how to get my maiden name back!! Ha

As many of you know myself and Scarlet are also proud mamas to Sowe (selling vintage and customised clothing and accessories). We have always operated from the Custard Factory (hence our Custard Cream moniker) originally at the Saturday Flea (RIP) and more recently from Retro Brum.

I recently blogged to say that we had been advised that due to an electrical problem the venue wasnt able to be used and that the Saturday Retro Brum had to be cancelled, so we were disappointed but we thought ok its fine we arent gonna make a big deal about it and we just looked forward to the next one...then that was cancelled too and to make matters worse we were also given the news that it was all over no more Retro Brum at the Custard Factory.

Unfortunately we dont know why it was cancelled so we can't speculate on that.

Now like all break-ups it seems like once its over the ugly truth begins to rear its head and we hear from fellow stall holders (and the good old internet) that the so-called electrical fault was actually that they had double booked the venue for a wine tasting event!! And looksy heres the evidence..

http://www.virginwines.co.uk/main/rules.jsp?ref=VG6318

Now Im not gonna sit on here and bitch about my ex (the Custard Factory) but... (ok I will) but its not the first time they have let us down like this and I cant help but feel that they wanted the relationship to end a long time ago... so why not have the balls to do it, why string us along keep us interested (make us buy more stock) to dump us the day before the big Vintage Fair (one of our busiest days) oh and did I mention they did the exact same thing to us last time right before the big Vintage Fair.....Oh we were fools to trust them again after that.

Its a shame as I think Birmingham albeit an amazing city really lacks unique and independent trading spaces as Scarlet has said before (see her recent blog on the Candy Store) there arent a huge amount of boutiques and shops that are independent from the usual high street chains. The skyhigh rents of the city centre tends to either force people out or gives them a short shelf life. Whereas cities like Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham and Sheffield have a thriving range of independent venues.

I had always thought that the aim of the Custard Factory was to provide a space that was accessible for the community as a creative outlet and venue.

Owner of the CF Bennie Gray stated in 2010 when asked about the redevelopment of the Zellig area “The most important thing is the working community – the idea that hundreds of creative enterprises can be in one place." Isnt getting rid of an established weekly event home to 30-50 stallholders a complete contradiction to this statement?!

The fact that in 2010 the CF had around £6 million of funding from Advantage West Midlands to carry out the redevelopment works to the Zellig area makes it even more galling that so many of us have been left without an income from the saturday Vintage markets.

If you visit the CF as a tourist you are unlikely to find much there almost everything other than a cafe is closed ..not to boast but we were literally the life and soul of the place!

So safe to say we are looking for new venues / events for us to continue with Sowe and there is no way we will be going back to the Custard Factory! We are definitely all about on to bigger and better and we will keep you posted!

Hopefully you will find Sowe and our vintage chums in a nice new home soon - also if you have any ideas suggestions for new homes please get in touch?! (Especially you secret millionaires please!!)

So Im off to cut up old pictures, listen to Adele, drink wine eat Ben & Jerrys and generally get over the CF!!

lots love

Elle-phant

xx

If you want to read the interview with Bennie Gray its here: http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2010/05/28/10m-expansion-at-custard-factory-hints-at-greater-ambition-for-digbeth-65233-26545553/

Welcome to the candy shop...I'll let you lick the lollipop!

Hey hey hey!!!

Birmingham is FINALLY but unfortunatey not at my "wanted" pace; building up its niche market with boutique type stores & markets such as RetroBrum @ Space2 of The Custard Factory - vintage & customised clothing including Sowe (our customised vintage baby!!!!), Unique Kicks-in The Custard Factory; Unique footwear for the trendsetter(as blogged - yeah im on that ish), COW next to Urban Outfitters & on the Digbeth Road - vintage warehouse, the cute box boutiques in the arcade and any others I missed (sorry but I need to get onto the whole reason of this blog!)

The MOST exciting whisper on the vine lately was that The Candy Store was back, and it isnt just a whisper!

The Candy Store will opening in Birmingham shortly - and as you can see from the visuals below, its going to offer many many brands in stylish, modern surroundings....I love love love the fact there is plans for so much light,angular walls and a simple layout drawing all your attention to exactly where it needs to be...on the clothes....!

As you can see from the brand line up, Jilted Royalty is finally going to be available in store....much easier and tempting on the wallet!!!

And whats more there is plans to open stores in London and Manchester - so if I was you, I'd get down there as soon as it opens (rumours are about 6 weeks - eeek) and every week after, because once they've got stores in other cities, thats even more oppurtunity for others to cop your style!

Check out their website;www.thecandystoreclothing.com - currently being constructed but as soon as its up and running we will let you know!!!!

And follow @JILTEDROYALTY and @jayread666 for the most recent updates...

Enjoy

Scarlet

(Waits with baited breath)

Images - www.thecandystoreclothing.com
www.jiltedroyalty.com

The Heirarchy....!

Jilted Royalty...the already well established brand has brought out 3 NEW T's...

Showing a paisley pattern is easily worn by both genders, when you got swag you got SWAG! And at £20 for the ladies & £25 for the mens you can't go wrong...

http://jiltedroyalty.com/shop/category.php?id_category=7 for orders - get them quick, they always sell out fast!

The ladies version just makes me yearn for my auburn hair back; and the guts for that sleeve!!!!!

Look out- later today I'll show what what Jay Read of Jilted Royalty has in store for you next - pun intended!!!

Its gonna blow...

Enjoy

Scarlet

xxx

Images - http://jiltedroyalty.com/shop/category.php?id_category=7

Shoenvy!

I want these Balotas!!!!!

A classic strapped platform in a vibrant colour....easily worn for years to come...

Any help would be appreciated....either colour, I'm not fussy!

Scarlet

xxx

Images - http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/favourites-of-vogue/110512-best-shoes-of-the-season-for-spring/gallery.aspx?Page=5#/imageno/54

BAD NEWS VINTAGE LOVERS!

Hello Lovelies,

Unfortunately I am the bearer of bad news, Retro Brum has been forced to cancel tomorrows Vintage Fair - we arent exactly sure of the details some electrical health and safety issue apparently.

BOOOO

We are of course very disappointed about this but more concerned that you guys will turn up and be disappointed ...and that the disappointment will turn to anger and then to rage and that in this rage a mob will form and destroy Digbeth!! ooh sorry I let my imagination run wild then - but you get my drift!

So in the interest of saving Digbeth and Retro-Brums reputation please pass this message on via facebook, twitter, even your mouth with actual spoken words etc etc and come back on the 4th June when hopefully we will be back bigger and better than ever with more amaaazeballs stock!

If you only buy one pair of shoes this year.....

Morning petals,




So as the title says if you only buy (me) one pair of heels this year please make it these, I'm in love the black suede, the block heel, the ankle strap...ahh I have died and gone to shoe heaven.








I can just imagine them with soo many outfits palazzo trews, playsuits, cropped pants or turned up jeans with just a hint of ankle.









Eek deep breath ...count to ten.

I first spotted these gorgeous feet-treats on a fellow bloggers page http://www.wheredidugetthat.com/ she is a londoner living in New York and has great style - its well worth checking her out!

Here she is working the heels...

Enjoy

Elle-phant

x

http://www.wheredidugetthat.com

Feeling Fruity?

Hey Peardrops!

So you cant avoid the fruity fashion thats out there at the moment Prada and Stella McCartney have definitely lead the way and its featured on catwalks all over....

Well at Sowe we try and stay ahead of the trends and make our own trends!! But like (most) of you we cannot afford to spend £140 on a pair of Prada banana earrings however much we tell ourselves that they would constitute one of our 5 a day!

Last week while rooting through Mama-elle-phants jewellery boxes i found some beautiful carved wooden pineapple and melon earrings, so like any good well brought up daughter I took them for myself! Unfortunately the old dear hasnt completely lost the plot yet and when she turned up at Retrobrum to say hi she spotted them and immediately said she wanted them back and banned me from selling them!

I also had some compliments on them from my lovely fellow fleabags so I have sourced some and made some for this weeks Retrobrum have a look and see what you think there are 2 of every fruit but I think they look so much better in a mix and match combo, so maybe your a banana and strawberry girl, or an oranges and lemons lady or maybe like Scarlet your a 2 big watermelons kinda gal!

So come along and mix and match and make yourself a lovely fruit salad for your ears!!

Lots love

Elle-phant!

x

My latest creation...

This Saturday 21st May, myself and Elle-phant will be at Retro Brum @ Space2 - The Custard Factory amongst many other vintage floosies!

We will be there from 11am-5pm and entry is only a £1, but worth it for all the different stalls, makeup, hair and tea room! Come down and spend spend spend, while the weathers still good ; )

Sort of getting back to my original subject I will be there with Elle-phant as "Sowe", our baby!!! We sell vintage and customised clothing, jewellery, bags, & hats amongst many many MANY other things...too many to go into....(bags galore!ha) Below is one of the items I have recently created that MAY be on sale...look out for further creations as I am on this sewing thing hardcore! haha I won't go into my inspiration or thoughts on where and how it can be worn, it is what it is ladies...

Hope you like girls....

Scarlet

xxx

Images - My own...

Marches-must!

Fishing through Vogue online for some wedding outfit inspiration I found these little beauties by Marchesa....inspiration!

Don't think I can go quite this far, but a girl can dream!
Enjoy Starlets

Scarlet

xxx

Images - http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/trends/2011-spring-summer/110504-red-carpet-dresses.aspx#/imageno/1

Geek-Chic

Hi Geeks and Geekettes!

Sooo the whole geek-chic thing has been around for a while and while Im on board with certain parts of it I have never fully embraced the look....well so i thought.

I am currently preparing for a netball tour our club is taking 4 teams to a tournement in Breane Sands (Pontins)...'how glamorous' I hear you shriek with jealousy!

Every year we go and every year we have a theme which involves fancy dress, dares and all round girls misbehaving mischief - its amazeballs!

So this years theme is GEEKS! We are all dressing up and as club social secretary I am currently preparing my outfit, quizzes and challenges for the girls! When planning my Geek outfit I realised that I had worn a similar outfit the week before (tartan trews & white shirt)of course i will be adding glasses, socks with sandals, a monobrow, and greasy hair to make it more authentic!

So it got me thinking about the whole geek-chic fashion trends and in particular satchels...i love them and i want one ...NOW! Here are my faves these are all new but a vintage leather one is obviously the dream...have to have a scout at the next RetroBrum!

Start saving geeks!

Ellephant

x

I wanted to be this woman growing up!

Growing up I looked at Jlo and thought WOW!And things havent changed...

I wanted to be her,I loved her body, her music, her fashion (yes event the camro and belly top at the awards with Diddy-hell it was in then!!!) ...the Versace jungle dress ( I even did a project on it in college - I am that sad). I am so glad shes back on the scene and HOT DAMN (american accent) shes still as gorgeous as ever, just watch the video, shes different, but still soooooooooo sexy...if I could have any body on this earth it would be a toss up between hers and Rihannas - or maybe both put together - imagine that ass and waist (looks into the sky and ponders....hhhhmmmmmm ;) )

Enjoy

Scarlet

xxx

Big hair is on the come back....

Did it ever really go away - I don't know? On Saturday I walked into Sobar and the entire crowd seemed to be hidden below HUGE bouffants!haha
You have to admit on some people its lollipop land - but on others you can get it oh so right...look at Frockstar - her hair is A-mazing! The bigger the better!

Wait till I go blonde, im planning a huge blonde afro - so help me god if my hairdresser doesn't do it right! I will hurt her!

Check out Cheryl on her first day of the USA's Xfactor - followed closely by SJP the very next day...maybe us British have more of an influence than we know....i think "were worth it!" (sorry had to be said)

Get the comb out girls...see if you can beat these!!!haha

Scarlet

xxx

P.S Yes I am aware the second picture is awful - n I have a bit of a "Wheres Wally" look going on - I was told!ha

Images - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1385446/Sarah-Jessica-Parker-steps-Cheryl-Cole-like-hair-New-York.html

Rihanna - California King Bed

Check out Rihanna's new single...she as usual...looks stunning!

Enjoy!

Scarlet

xxx

Images - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1385353/Rihanna-gets-intimate-topless-man-new-video-California-King-Bed.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Retro Brum

Hi All,

So its been a while since my last blog things have been hectic, weddings, hen parties and the return of Sowe's stall.

So this is just a quick blog to update you on Birminghams newest Vintage Fair, its at the custard factory and its fortnightly. The launch was yesterday and included a DJ set, catwalk shows, cupcakes and of course loads of gorgeous vintage delights to be had!

Sowe was there with its usual range of handmade, customise and vintage clothes, bags, jewellery and accessories. Event the weather couldnt dampen our mood although it meant people were buying coats and hats rather than summer dresses!

Make sure you come along to the next fair on the 21st May!

Unfortunately me and Scarlet were so busy Soweing and generally just having a good natter we forgot to take many pics for your viewing pleasure! But we did get a few a gorgeous girl in an outfit we thought was worthy of the blog, there were also professional photographers there so will update with more pics as they come!

Lovely girl in a cute outfit!

Me and Scarlet had Henna tattoos!

Make sure you come along to the next one and get yourself some gorgeous vintage items, we are open 11-5pm and its in the Squared space (under the arches) in the custard factory.

lots love

Elle-phant

x

Lip tatts!!!!!

Yes ladies, tatt lips...not as you may think though! Similar to Minx & Nailrock these are applied to your lips - as far as I can see they are only available in the USA at the moment (as all the prices are in dollars) BUT BUT BUT I have only just found these and haven't looked into them properly (I'm already running over my unch hour???)so I may be wrong! Im sure if that is the case that it won't be long before they hop,skip and jump over the pond.....I would really like to try the red glitterati myself and I could easily see Frockstar passing these off with style!

Follow the on twitter: @violentlips

And visit the website to see all of their current designs and a video tutorial on how to apply them (very useful!)....A-Mezing!

http://www.violentlips.com/

Scarlet

xxx

Images-http://www.elleuk.com/beauty/beauty-notes-daily/the-next-big-thing-lip-tattoos
http://www.violentlips.com

You SHOULD already know about this girl!!!

If you love music you should already know about the worldwind around this girl right now - whether positive or negative - you SHOULD already have some kind of opinion! If you don't know....really...where have you been hiding...!!!!

Check out OG Niki....17 years old, from Birmingham & the girl has some serious skill when it comes to flow, and her topic.....raw! You may not like it but personally I'm all for a bit of controversy and if shes being honest then I'm all for that too...if thats what your doing then thats you,it may not be my or someone elses way of doing things but at least she isn't hiding it!

If you want to see what all the talk is about watch below - (Warning - purely as I'm not looking to be shut down - but this video may contain offensive material that you may not like - so you have been warned) keep your mind open people and think deeper....


#SPITYOURGAME – OG NIKI #PaperWay

Follow her on twitter - @OGniki
and visit her website http://www.ogniki.com/ for all her videos and interviews...

Scarlet
xxx

Images - http://www.ogniki.com/

Wedding season....All this hype!

All this talk of William & Kate & Elle-phants dilemna for one of her best friends wedding got me thinking, and rather than being useful and helping I chose to make believe I have been invited to a wedding & have a limitless amount of money to spend on my outfit....here goes...every girl loves a fantasy ;)

If I was attending the Royal wedding...well I'd just have to go semi-regal...thats just me!?!

And if I was going to crash a wedding...ie I wasn't invited for some stupid "fake"reason - I would turn up to the reception like this......suck on them eggs!

Scarlet

xxx

P.S I am actually helping Elle-phant - I'm not that mean...

P.S.S I am also no longer a red head???? You'll have to imagine me with a very very dark brown sharp cut (aka Cleopatra style)- will update my head mock soon!


Images - http://www.style.com/trendsshopping/inthemoodfor/042011_Bridesmaid/
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/81374

Coachella baby - wish I was there!

My best dressed from coachella...first & foremost, as usual my girl crush, Ri-Ri simple, casual but shows off her best bits - thick thighs & a BIG ass!!!!

(And ive rocked something similar to this so before so yey me!!!!)

I gotta say, you have got to go ALL out, an event is the only place you can play dress-up & its sooooo allowed, if I had tickets I'd be making a headress in a shot!!!

Scarlet

xxx

Images - http://www.elleuk.com/style/street-style/coachella-2011

Im back - STYLESPOTTER

My first "Style spot" post!!!!!

Location: Ikea (Coventry)
Date: Weds 6th April
Dress: Essential white shirt, cute cute cute bobbled pillowy skirt in navy, tan bag & a v.high pony....absoluteley NECCESSARY gold watch & seasons trendiest print, python shoesys!!!

A timeless look...

I'm glad I was taking the picture as I was wearing my sweatpants & hoodie - what can I say sometimes I need to be able to move freely!!!!haha

I have to apologise for the lack of good light & rush I was in, I took one picture & I was off towards the self serve area - I will try harder next time...but style speaks a thousand languages!

Over & out bloggettes!

Scarlet

xxx

Happy Mothers Day!

Hi kids! Time to celebrate, thank and treat your moms! Now I know everyone says their mom is the best - but actually mine is!! haha

Its so hard to find good quality comfy garden furniture, but I think me and my cousin (Im on the right) found something soft enough for our delicate derrieres! Thanks Mom!

Happy Mothers Day!

Elle-phant!

xx