Christmas Finds under $30!

The new apple Iphone 5 has arrived and we are pretty sure it is going to top many wish lists this Christmas, and like the saying goes.. you can never have enough accessories. We loved these iphone 5 cases both valued at under $30 and available to purchase online!

Stitch is Ronelle's favorite Disney Character, I just know she would love this case made of durable rubber and only $9.95 on ebay. 

Being a 90's kid I used to love the old gameboy consoles, I thought these were a really great find for anybody who grew up during this era. Also available in teal and purple for only $26.49 from onlyphonecases.com 

It's the party season and statement necklaces are still hot this festive season. How about a chunky vintage statement piece for the woman who has everything but can never get enough? this piece is only $25 and available at Gos' Etsy store. We are also offering a free upgrade to express shipping to our Australian buyers on sales of $20 and over (not including postage) For a limited time only. 

Unique scented candles can be picked up easily for under $30 on craft sites such as etsy, or you can DIY if you prefer giving a more personal gift. 

          

Body butter, I know few women ... actually no women who don't love smelling good. I love body care packs, especially light, clean fruit scented fragrances. This particular body butter can be picked up for $15 at bathandbodyworks. 

Happy shopping!

Running A Small Business While Trying To Have A Life

So the month of August is practically at an end and so far this is only the third blog for the month. Who would have thought when we started this blog a few months ago full of zeal and ideas, writing mutiple blogs a day that it would all slow down to not even a trickle... but a DROPLET!.

The hope was always to be consistent, after all we are creative people constantly thinking and finding interesting new things to share.... but life has a way of being anything but consistent. It seems inevitable that you'll start something only to be thrown a curve ball and no matter how hard you try the simplest things become a problem.

This past month has probably been the hardest of the year to date. Everything seemed to go wrong ... family health crisis... personal health problems... computers crashing... and so on and so forth. It seems like just yesterday we felt so inspired and ideas were flowing and then all of a sudden we found ourselves asking the question.. "why do we always seem to go down the hardest path with everything?"

The reality is,  there are no easy answers. Starting a business and trying to drum up support takes alot of time and effort. Staying inspired to create for that business takes alot of time and effort and then inbetween, life has a way of ...well, getting in the way.

As a small business you don't have the support of many hands and many minds to take care of different aspects of the business. You are the creative force, designer, manufacturer, promoter, marketer, photographer, financial advisor and then you blog, tweet, facebook and still have to put on a load of washing.

Does it sound like we're complaining? Well not really. This month has just been a reality check. At the end of the day there is no greater feeling than finishing something with your own hands from conception to end product. Even if it takes others a long time to see the value in what you do!

Here at GoS our business is about NOT throwing things away, NOT giving up on something when there is still so much potential in it. It's about creating pieces that are individual, for individuals and that will be treasured for years to come.

I guess our philosphy for what we sell should apply for everything... even ideas and dreams. Don't be so quick to give up on things and throw them out. Sometimes things need a little reworking and sometimes it just takes a while for people to appreciate them. Just don't give up yet... even when life kicks the poop out of you get right back up and show it what you're made of!

R&M @ GoS
xox

P.S. When all else fails remember... it could be worse! ;)

Handmade and Vintage Jewelry - Etsy

Happy Friday all!

Here are a few of our newest additions to our etsy store and we currently have 10% off storewide with the coupon code TAKE10 so grab yourself something pretty.

First up we have a handmade  ruby red multi strand necklace with removeable cameo brooch from our Modern Vintage. That's right, two looks in one and two pieces of jewelry for the price of one!

Or how about this vintage cloisonne bangle for a teeny tiny $12.00

For just $12 why not add another beautiful cloisonne enamel bangle ?

Enjoy!
R&M @ GoS
xox

Steal her style - Kate Middletons red dress under $150

Having just seen Kate Middletons latest outing in a red Alexander McQueen dress there's no doubt ladies all over the globe will be looking for a pretty red dress to add to their wardrobe.

We've put together just a few looks all coming in at under $150! We've even found a nude heel and a red clutch to match.

Kates red dress look.



First up we have the Hybrid sleeveless peplum dress $144.50 from Asos. It is a streamlined look sitting above the knee with a high neckline and soft peplum at the sides.

Again from Asos we have a much flirtier version in this strapless red peplum  at a tiny $51. This is the perfect piece for the younger crowd looking for a few of the same details worn by Kate.

This longsleeve pencil dress is a stunning piece made by a designer in New Zealand. It's available on Etsy for a mere $82.90. This wonderful dress can be worn to the office or on a date!

In keeping with Kates look we've found you a patent nude stiletto heavily reduced at $85. As we didn't like her platform version we've opted for a classic style.

 Finally don't forget your purse! Here we have bow clutch for $96.76 at Nordstroms.

Enjoy!

R&M @ GoS

xox

What's the GoS - The month that was, Inspiration & Desperation

Well we've come to the end of our very first month on blogger here at GoS. It's had it's moments, it's been up and down, we've been inspired, uninspired, mad, happy, frustrated, infuriated...  30 days and 43 blogs later we're still here!

Now us ladies here at GoS have participated in the blogosphere in the past and it is no easy task. It's always hard to put your ideas and thoughts out there only to feel that no-one is listening. That is essentially what happens when you blog as an unknown. It is those early days when views are few and far between and you feel like you will stay lost in the dark abyss that is the internet that are crucial. It's about toughening up and getting through those times when no-one is listening because maybe tomorrow someone will.

The same goes for our etsy store. It's never easy to pour your heart and soul into something hoping someone will notice you. It's a matter of staying put and doing your best to make sure more and more people get to see what you have to offer. After all, if no-one knows what you have on offer how will they know if they like it or not?

So what have we learned about ourselves here at GoS this month? We realised we're pretty tough! It's been a hard few months but we haven't given up. Even on those days when we ask ourselves "what the hell are we doing? this is too hard!" we pull it together, eat a piece of chocolate and come back tomorrow. AND we've also really enjoyed researching blogs, finding new things and bringing you "Fashion Fail Fridays!"

So this blog is dedicated to those who have listened in our first month. Thank you to all those who stumbled across us and stayed for a moment. It makes it a little easier to come back each day.

So if you're feeling a bit deflated today, like no-one is listening to you... chin up! It does get better.

We look forward to our next 30 days, the good, the bad and the ugly.

Stay inspired!
R&M @ GoS
xox

Steal Her Style under $100 - Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton Pink dress

We adore Kate Middletons Emilia Wickstead ladylike pink dress so much we simply had to do a steal her style. And we did it for under $100 for all of those out there like us who have to crunch the numbers when shopping.

Copying a style can be hard to match exactly sometimes so we recommend searching for the details of the piece you love. For instance with a dress pick a piece in the same color, length, cut or with the same detailing. Don't be afraid to look for second hand items either as many details and styles have been around before.

In keeping with the theme of recycling looks we've started our "steal her style"  inspiration with some truly "recycled" items. First up we have a 1970's vintage pink dress from etsy at just $59.00

Here's another little gem - Etsy Pink pleat dress at a mere $25.00

Here we have a the same pink color with pleats in a different cut from Asos for $64.60.

Finally we have pink dress with cap sleeves and pleat detailing from House of Fraser at $70

Enjoy!

R&M @ GoS

xox



Style inspiration - Head to toe seasonal dressing for under $160

We're all trying to get the most out of our wardrobes these days. As the seasons change we don't have to go out and buy a whole new wardrobe and we don't need to steer away from our beloved spring / summer pieces.

Today we're going with some casual style inspiration and making what may be considered a summer dress work in the cooler months. We started with a cute trapeze style mini with leather strap detail.

We added brown leather pull on boots  a steal at only $76.50. We paired the boots with some over the knee grey socks at only $6.80. To top it off we have the cable knit another steal at only $34.00! All available at Asos

This whole look comes in at only $157.30!! On the bonus side those leather boots and that cardigan will see you right through winter and autumn as you pair them with jeans and maxis. When spring hits wear the dress and boots on your festival rounds. Great style does not have to cost the earth!

 

Enjoy!

R&M @ GoS

xox

Steal her style Cannes Film Festival - Sparkle for under $100

Today for a little style inspiration we thought we'd go back to the Cannes Film festival red carpet last week. We saw a number of stars step out in all things sparkly. One of our favorite looks was worn by Jennifer Connelly. We loved the simplicity and effortlessness of her Gucci sequin mini. Best of all we loved that it's something that we can all replicate.

 Here we have one of our very own pieces for under $100!!! Our Etsy Sequin Black Mini

Wittner Fast On Sale $89.95

Olga Berg Glitter Clutch - $69.95



Get your sparkle on ladies!

Enjoy!

R&M @ GoS

xox

Style inspiration - gold trend

Now gold may cost a fortune by the ounce but it doesn't mean we can't all afford a little luxury in our life. Gold is already shaping up to be a hot ticket for spring and as always is a stand out in evening wear.

Keep the look simple with minimal accessories be it tonal or in jewel colors and let your inner star shine!

For our gorgeous vintage gold, full length column dress http://www.etsy.com/listing/98743368/vintage-gold-maxi-dress we've drawn some inspiration from the following looks ....

Jessica Biel wears Oscar De La Renta Spring 2012 gold knit dress

or how about this http://www.shopbop.com/long-river-dress-alice-by/vp/v=1/845524441930700.htm?folderID=2534374302063655&colorId=11739&extid=affprg

Enjoy!

R&M @ GoS

xox

Style Inspiration from Rihanna to Rodarte

My plan all along was to do a style inspiration post for an amazing vintage red and cream circus cut wool jacket we have in our collection. To my suprise one of my favorite websites http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/ featured a stunning red carpet look by Rodarte on the beautiful Kirsten Dunst that bears some striking similarities to our one of a kind tailor made piece!

Even though the budget is being handed down tonight here's one way to look like a star without breaking the bank!!
Here are just a few ways to wear this lovely piece but the opportunities are endless.

Here is our little gem available for sale on Etsy!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/98746686/red-and-cream-cropped-circus-jacket

http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/2012/05/08/kirsten-dunst-in-rodarte-2012-met-gala/

                                     Here we have a more casual approach as seen on Beyonce

Or how about getting edgy and teaming up the same jacket with some leather leggings!

Then again we can get a little sexy and take Rihannas take on the cropped red jacket ..

Enjoy,

R&M @ GoS
xox



Choosing a great vintage item

When searching for vintage items there are many things to take into consideration. One of the key things for us when vintage shopping is finding something we fall in love with. In terms of fashion we are generally drawn to items that are tailor made or hand made as they are usually one offs. The downside to tailor made items, as is the case with most vintage finds is sizing. Even if there is a size label make sure you get actual measurements or try the item on. Tailor made clothing is made to a particular persons measurements and vintage sizing is quite different to standard sizing today.

Obviously with vintage items there can be wear and tear. For us if the fabric is particulary interesting and we can see the item being upcycled we can overlook some minor flaws. Sometimes it's important to see beyond the item itself to what it could be. Another key thing is don't make assumptions about stains! If you don't know what it is you won't know how to treat it. If an item has significant staining it may not be worth your time or effort.

Here is an example of a beautiful tailor made floral maxi dress. This dress was purchased for me to wear but it has always been too small across the bust. I've flirted with the idea of pulling it apart and turning it into a maxi skirt but the beautiful pattern and craftmanship in this item deserves to be worn in its full glory. This dress ticks a number of boxes for current trends - peter pan collar, large floral print, sheer and ladylike. This dress makes quite a statement on it's own or work it back with some beautiful modern accessories such as a bold tonal clutch or a pair of electric blue pumps.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/98737354/tailor-made-floral-peter-pan-collar

Enjoy...

R&M @ GoS
xox

Upcycling

Today I thought I'd talk a bit about upcycling as it's a term we use to describe some of the things we do. What exactly is upcyling? Well it's pretty much just taking an item that would otherwise be considered useless because it may be out of fashion or just not suited to your taste or needs anymore and giving it a new life.

My personal love affair with upcycling began many years ago before the word even existed (the term upcycling was first used in 1999!). As a young teen my mother brought me a bag of clothing a friend was getting rid of. Being on very limited pocket money the opportunity for some new clothes was like a gift from heaven. Unfortunately most of the clothing was either too big or too mature for my years.... and that's when I realised... "what if I???....". And so began my foray into upcycling.

The very first thing I did was to turn a maxi circle skirt into a pair of hammer pants. They turned out a treat and soon I had three pairs of hammer pants! YAY! I was the talk of the school! The next item was turning a button down, long sleeve over the knee dress into a vest, all the rage at the time.

Many upcycled items you see for sale are intricate and have been completely restructured but it does not have to be that complicated. Upcycling is something you can do at home! It could be as simple as having an old dress with a sleeve style that is no longer in fashion. Instead of throwing it out get some scissors and a needle and thread and copy a sleeve style you have in your wardrobe that you love! Even items that are too big or too small can be upcycled. It's really about wasting less and let's face it we could all use the extra dollars these days.

One of my favorite websites for upcycled ideas and D.I.Y is apairandaspare. Here is one great example of what you can do at home.

http://apair-andaspare.blogspot.com.au/2011/06/lbd-1-diy-cut-out-back-minidress.html

                                                http://saigen.eu/showthread.php?tid=851

http://portialawrie.blogspot.com.au/

http://www.treehugger.com/style/365-upcycled-diy-dresses-all-under-1-photos.html

http://dornob.com/diy-dress-up-ideas-5-sexy-ways-to-upcycle-old-clothing/?ref=search

We hope you feel inspired!

R&M @ GoS
xox

What's the Gos?

Gos is a little project my sister and I have been talking about for some time now. We both have an eye for the interesting and unique and have been collecting everything from vintage musical equipment to one off vintage dresses for ourselves over the past few years. The reality is we were spending way too much time searching for these elusive and magical pieces. We often came across beautiful items that were not particularly suited to what we needed but would be sure to please someone else and so began the thought process for Gifts of Substance.

So what is GoS you ask? Well ...The concept behind GoS is to source beautiful, interesting and unique materials to create Gifts of Substance. Our materials have travelled the world, some have had previous lives. Be it vintage, upcycled or trade items it’s all about beautiful hand made treasures that not only express your individual personality... it has personality all of it's own.

It's early days for us yet but as with everyone starting out we are full of ideas and hopes. We have just kicked off our Etsy store and we are looking forward to sharing the excitement of our finds with others!

https://www.etsy.com/people/GiftsofSubstance