Sparkling Magpie : fashion

Showing posts with label fashion. Show all posts

Tuesday, 13 May 2025

Review: XTI Black Espadrilles for Girls

Over the years I have seen the brand XTI when I have been in Barcelona and also here in the UK. I have small (35EU) feet but I need them to be wide fit. I have some Pisamona ones and they are fine until my feet swell and they aren’t black. I put black flat buckle espadrilles into Google and an online shop called Esdmarca popped up. As they are in Madrid as I was concerned the postage would be expensive but it was only £5.49 tracked and my shoes were with me within 2 weeks.

The espadrilles are vegan and PETA approved which as a vegetarian I love. The shoes are flat but have a lot of foot support and cushioning because the sole is thick. The black fabric is a knitted macramé material so it stretches as my feet swell, it feels like I am wearing comfortable slippers. The strap doesn’t dig in but it can be a pain to fasten as it is soft band. This is great but it makes it harder to get the buckle to go through and fasten. I am thrilled with these espadrilles. The jute on supporting the back of the heel is also soft and doesn’t rub/blister my heel.

I am thrilled with is purchase, they are one of the most comfortable items I own. As I have neuropathic pain in my feet I am very picky about shoes. I have always wanted a black pair as most of my clothes are either black or a dark colour! They are so comfy and look smart to wear with long skirts and dresses.

susan1375

hi, I am a 40+ year old who loves jewellery and all things sparkly. I also enjoy trying out and reviewing new makeup products, finding stylish walking sticks, reading and writing book reviews. I will review anything from bird tables/ hedgehog houses to the latest fashion! My Instagram account is @sparkling_magpie

Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Review: Disney x BaubleBar Mickey & Minnie Sparkling Articulated Earrings

Last year I purchased a Disney x BaubleBar jewellery collaboration mystery box from the now defunct DoubleboxToys. I finally got around to unboxing the items to use as prizes so here’s my take on the Mickey and Minnie articulated gold tone sparkling earrings. .

These Mickey and Minnie earrings are for pierced ears and their height is 1.25”. The earrings are based on the iconic Mickey and Minnie poses and outfits. The whole look is elevated by the addition of sparkle. Mickey has been enamelled and is adorned with sparkling black gems which catch the light and Minnie is also enamelled and sparkles with pearls and lighter gems. They are articulated so move gently with the wearer’s movements. They swing slightly and look as though they are dancing, which is unusual and eye catching. They would look great sparkling under disco Iights, dancing around in the wearer’s ears. Despite the articulation and gems they are deceptively light and don’t look as though they will drag the ear lobe down. It’s a shame that they are only gold tone as they would be great to wear everyday for a fun look. I haven’t worn them as they are a prize.

I like these earrings. They are different to the existing Disney/ Mickey/Minnie Mouse designs. Sadly it doesn’t look as though BaubleBar have any stockists in the UK and can only be found in TKMaxx which is a shame. I like both the Disney collab and BaubleBar’s standard lines. I am put off, however, by the original £€£ RRP and the fact that the majority of their designs are gold or silver tone not at least gold or silver plate. There are a few sterling silver designs on their website but they do not ship to the UK and they have no plans to start doing so. I would expect some type of plating for the prices that are charged.

I purchased these earrings myself and the views expressed in this blog are my own.

susan1375

Sunday, 27 November 2016

Sticks & Stones: The Midas Touch

Welcome to the Christmas edition of Sticks and Stones. Lots of Christmassy gold and deep wintery velvet materials and colours but without looking gaudy and overdone - a bit like the perfect Christmas turkey! There are several "pure" gold sticks available but the gold leave/ flower ones are just as wintery/Christmassy. Gold also goes with the traditional winters colours: burgundy, green and black so it won't represent a use only at Christmas or special occasion purchase.

Gold handbags, goth velvet chokers, velvet skirts and long coats look great with gold and can really make you and your outfit stand out from the crowd. There are some really reasonable pieces of clothing available at New Look or you could splash out for something a little more expensive at somewhere like Mint Velvet. Velvet always comes back in style so it will be money well spent.

All the sticks are available from Amazon.co.uk