Glitz and brights for a night out

Pink Satin Shoes & Other Stories (£79) and sequinned Turtle Neck Top & Other Stories (£49)

It's that time of year when those party dates are looming and it's time to plan what to wear. There are so many looks that I love for this time of year from a statement skirt, heels and a fine knit jumper, to silk joggers and a pretty blouse, p(l)eather leggings and a white shirt and then.....a little predictable I know...good old jeans.

The thing with jeans is that because they are a safe option, I feel that I can go to town with the colours and the sparkle, without feeling too conspicuous. Black, grey or navy trousers would enable the same look to be created but there's something about faded jeans in this "new" style cut that I like. "New" being a mixture of girlfriend/boyfriend/mom and straight jeans all rolled into one. No, I'm non the wiser either.

So, having selected your jeans, it's time to have fun. I've mixed dark sparkle on the top (link above), with bright shoes and a bright bag. But the options are endless - sparkly shoes with a bright top and bright bag, sparkly bag with bright shoes and bright top, bright shoes, bag and top - maybe work in a print, or stripes, or some fake fur.

I've been after some shoes in this style for quite while now. I'm a bit late to the "v-cut shoe" party but you know, it's fashionable to be late. The block heel is so comfortable too - really sturdy and, having put them to the test with a glass or two of fizz, and maybe even a glass or two of gin, I can confirm that they are indeed, very sturdy.  

I have to say that I was slightly worried that they might stain easily, with them being satin. But after I went to the loo and splashed water on them when drying my hands, they were fine. Bet you're all relieved to hear that aren't you?! 

Whistles clutch (£69)

The clutch I'm using is a Whistles one that I bought in the New Year - if you wait until the end of January they have amazing reductions. They don't currently have a yellow one but this one caught my eye - I really love the colour of it and it would work so well with the pink shoes :)

Part of my decision to wear jeans was because we were sitting down for most of the night, meaning that it was all about the top. But it's such an easy look to create for any event - chuck on some jeans, hunt down some bright bits and bobs - sparkly or clashing ones if you like - stick on some lippy and it's job done.

Kooky Two - creators of modern and stylish jewellery for everyday dressing

I love it when I meet new people, when we get chatting and then when I discover that they do something fun and exciting. 

I met Claire and Clare from "Kooky Two" at a Red Magazine Style event in October. We sat next to one another and got chatting about what they do - as you do - and it turned out that they ran their own small independent jewellery brand. They source the materials and then put them together which means that they are able to create necklaces with chains of different lengths and styles, adding different charms and beads, for a really personal feel.

I was really delighted when Kooky Two asked me if I would like to write about their jewellery. Their passion for what they do clearly shines through, so I jumped at the chance.

Lightning bolts are definitely having a moment, and this necklace is a real favourite of mine. It's small and delicate and works really well when layered with other necklaces too.

Gold lightening bolt necklace (£25) which also comes in silver (£18)

silver trio tiny star necklace (£18)

I love all things star related and this necklace is perfect for layering or wearing on its own. Personally I like shorter length necklaces that just sit neatly at the base of your neck but it comes in four different lengths, meaning that if you're not sure of someone's preferences, you can opt for a mid range length and probably get it right. 

Heart beat necklace (£23)

I haven't come across a heart beat necklace before and personally I think it's a great one to gift to yourself from a loved one in a "Look what you bought for me" kind of way adding, just for good measure "you make my heart skip a beat." How could they possibly deny you the joy of such a gift?!

I'm a huge fan of ear-rings, to the point that I'm thinking of getting another piercing, just so that I can wear way more of them. Ear-rings have come on leaps and bounds over the last few years, not only in the sense of big, statement, dangly ear-rings but also in the sense of cuffs, creepers and all sorts of intricate and delicate pieces that don't dangle but rather just adorn. 

Silver trio heart stud creeper earrings (£20)

I have these earrings and love how delicate they are, whilst at the same time being a little more modern that a traditional stud style earring. A similar style are these silver triangle ear creepers (£20) below.

If like me you just can't keep away from the lightening bolt theme, there are also these lightening bolt earrings (£18)

I also love the branding of "Kooky Two". Claire and Clare (one with an "i", one without!) are obviously brilliant friends who have come together to run a business which suits their lifestyles. Their aim is to create minimal, modern and stylish jewellery for everyday dressing, which can take an outfit from day to night. For them it's about a simple approach, whether it's with something personalised or layered, dainty or more statement in style and "wowish", such as their Crystal Innovations  collection, using Swarovski Crystals.

For something a bit rock chic there's these silver hoop earrings with jet black crystals (£25) which are fabulous if you like an earring to make a statement without them wearing you, like some of the huge ones can.

They also come with a metallic blue swarovski crystal (£25), which are stunning.

And how fantastic would it be to wake up to these on Christmas Day? They look like a flippin' great big diamond and to be honest, that would be good enough for me, for sure.

Aurore Boreale earrings (£25)

Additionally, Kooky Two offer personalised necklaces and bracelets, where the girls hand-stamp discs with letters or numbers.

Personalised triple disc necklace (£33)

This necklace comes with one, two or three discs and can be personalised  with two styles of font, three styles of chain and adjustable lengths depending on the style of chain chosen. The entire range of personalised pieces can be seen here

Whilst I am the first to admit that I champion our high street, when it comes to jewellery and special pieces it's nice to have a personal relationship with the brands, and the people behind them. Supporting small businesses, which are often run by busy women in positions similar to ourselves, is increasingly the way forward. Do take a look at the Kooky Two site - I'm sure that Claire and Clare would love to hear from you.

Disclosure: This post was written in conjunction with Kooky Two but I chose which pieces to write about. Kooky Two kindly gifted to me a gold lightening bolt necklace and a pair of heart creeper earrings.