aestheticcontradiction

2013 positive points.

This has been a year of big changes for me and though it has been tough at times, I’ve realised that I am moving forward with my life and ambitions.

I have heard a lot of people talking about how terrible their year has been and it’s easy to get stuck in a downward spiral if you just think of the negative. I prefer to start the year with a air of optimism wherever possible so I have written a list of my favourite positive points of 2013 and would urge you to do the same, it might make you feel a lot better.

1. I stopped working from a small desk in my bedroom and got my first solo studio for Eustratia.

427237_10151453871855365_82829251_n2. I suspended my bed from trees for a photoshoot!

_MG_81663. I was involved in quite a few fun and amazing fashion shows.

1276469_576383365732729_609709502_o4. Eustratia became the main brand sold in a small boutique.

734115_574855985872883_2073020654_n5. I went on holiday to Greece with my best friends.

968844_10201689246253037_1694167644_n6. I went to LFW with some amazing people.

1237951_590997460941458_557497677_n7. Had my work published in my favourite magazine, Dark beauty.

darkbeauty18. Bought a house!

733896_10151952960905365_1475728400_n9. I set up a showroom and look forward to inviting people to my open-house events to view my items in person. The first one will hopefully be scheduled for the beginning of February!

1471219_10152068209715365_1131086101_n10. Pretty much learned to drive and will hopefully be passing my test in the near future.

My positive list definitely made me feel better about this year and I hope yours does too.

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aestheticcontradiction

Showroom trial

Yesterday I set up the showroom in my new house for the first time. I haven’t had the time or money to get everything I need need yet so I was expecting it to look very incomplete but was pleasantly surprised and can already see it’s potential.

walldeerbranches 1 copymirror tree

rail 2I have been toying with the idea of holding an open house event in February for the Eustratia third birthday and seeing the garments laid out has definitely made me feel more confident about the idea. I think the room lends it’s self well to this sort of roll.

 

tree1Of course it is close to Christmas and I do have the tree up, which won’t be a permanent fixture but I have thought of something equally as lovely to replace it when the time comes.

ARMCHAIRSome of the drama in the room is definitely due to my new acquisition, this ornate armchair. I have dreamed of having a chair like this for years and was planning to repaint and reupholster it but I posted a picture on instagram this morning and a lot of people seem to think it should stay gold…

SOFAtable 2TABLEI like the idea of having a space that is beautifully laid out where people can browse products and try stuff on in a comfortable way, while chatting to their friends, maybe taking a snap or two. I think people like visiting boutiques but fear shop assistants asking them what they want or trying to convince them to buy so I hope that creating a more relaxed atmosphere, not so centered on direct purchase will make it a more enjoyable experience for everyone.

heads

The space and layout still needs work and my pictures don’t do it justice but customers who live in/visit Manchester are welcome to book an appointment and come round for tea and a fitting, to see their favourite items in person or even just to get measured for their order.

Details for the upcoming open house event will follow early next month and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

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aestheticcontradiction

Eustratia gifts sets 2013

For the last couple of years I have released a series of mini hampers containing a variety of fun, discounted items.

This year I decided to go for something a bit more refined and chose a gift box with a window which looks good ad can also be used to store small items.

I have put together three different boxes to suit different styles and budgets.

The “Aria” gift set is the most fashionable of the batch and if the most suitable for combining with non latex items for a stylish yet edgy look.

It costs £50 and contains a T-harness (available in black or white, standard size fits uk sizes 8-12 but custom sizes can also be requested), a pair of latexlace moth earrings (available in in black, white, grey or rose), a necklace (styles will vary as there are not many left), a bow cuff (any latex colour), a pocket mirror and two mini bath bombs.

It can be purchased here.

aria set boxedAria set fullaria close up 1aria close up 2The “Ruby gift set provides a great foundation for a fetish club outfit and can easily be dressed up by adding a couple of special items from your personal collection.

At £45 it contains high waisted halter hotpants, bow earrings or pasties (please specify), perspex necklace (styles may vary), pocket mirror and bath bombs .

It’s available on the site, here.

ruby setRuby close up 1ruby close up 2At £30, the “Toula” gift set makes a fun, sexy and affordable gift for yourself or a loved one.

It contains bow panties, pasties (or bow earrings if you don’t wear pasties), a necklace, a pocket mirror and bath bombs.

Purchase yours here.

toula set opentoula close up1toula gift set boxedThere are limited numbers of these gift sets. If they prove pupular I will be getting more in but order this week to get one for Christmas.

Buying your gifts from small, independent designers is rewarding because you get a unique item that has been hand made or put together with care and attention to detail. There is a much smaller chance of getting your loved one a similar gift to what someone else has got them so they will hopefully cherish your gift and feel special. The seller or designer also appreciates your purchase a lot more than a large company with millions of sales, you are helping them survive in a hard economic climate and, in the spirit of Christmas, making their holiday season a happy one too.

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aestheticcontradiction

Current Obsessions #12

 

current obsessions 12Things have been a bit quite on here this week due to having a new house to decorate and shows to organise but I’m going to be posting more news and FAQs soon. I’m also thinking of doing step by steps posts showing how I decorate my house and where I found my furniture etc. so keep an eye out for those too.

This week I’m in love with my new Eustratia pockets mirrors and excited about getting new body jewellery to try out. I’ve been trying hard to find the right sofa and the best way to make silver lips look good (I’m going to be a robot in the TG Manchester show at the end of the month). I’m also sort of missing my fringe. I have a couple of shoot ideas I’ve been meaning to try all year and I really need to get round to them soon, everything seems to be moving along so slowly even though I’m always busy.

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