Hot on the Highstreet Week 87

“Celebrate the beauty of words, the joy of writing and the art of conversation.”

Selfridges are currently honouring wonderful words, with writers-in-residence, a special collection of letter-inspired jewellery, captivating storytellers and literary themed objects and gifts.

I absolutely love clothing or accessories which use words… my ‘Milly’ version of the famous Carrie necklace is a treasured piece in my jewellery box, as are my old limited edition Luella t-shirts with slogans like ‘Daddy I want a pony!’ On my 18^th birthday I received a beautifully simple engraved silver ring from my parents quoting ‘Je vois la vie en rose’ (which loosely translates as the familiar saying ‘I see the world through rose tinted spectacles’). And inside there is a personal message, words that remind me of that important birthday.

I think Selfridges are onto a winner with the words idea. Teaming up with Tatty Devine, they have created an in-store workshop where shoppers can go along and design and customise their very own, entirely unique piece of jewellery. They’ve got everything at hand to decorate your necklace with different chains and charms in store. All the rainbow sheets of plastic are available and someone is on hand to laser cut your piece to perfection. All the jewellery findings are stored in jars attached to shelves by their lids (one twist and you can pick out just what you need). I went along and designed a Thoroughly Modern Milly necklace.

If you’d rather have a ready made piece this fabulous jewellery brand have also created an exclusive range of funky necklaces, with plastic words like ‘OMG’ and ‘Bookworm’ on them.

The Words Words Words programme continues until 1 March: visit the Selfridges website here for more information on all the literary workshops, talks and events.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 56

I fell in love with this necklace the instant I saw it advertised in the Sunday Times Style Magazine last weekend. A simple and classic gold chain, with a romantic outline of a star hanging delicately in the centre. Made from sterling silver plated in gold, it is 44 cm long, so that it sits prettily just in the right place on your neck. It is priced at £75.

The necklace is handmade in the Econe studio in Clerkenwell where the design team makes its own collections for shops and works on bespoke orders. The specialists here often make personal pieces and wedding rings to your specifications. They can create modern or vintage designs with white gold, yellow gold and platinum, diamonds, semi and precious stones. They listen to your ideas and requirements to bring your dream item to life.

The Econe website promotes and sells a wide range of independent designers' work, as well as its own jewellery. It is a great place to get an individual piece, that isn’t mass made and sold everywhere. The prices are fair and reflect the quality and design of the piece.

This star necklace reminds me of Rachel from Glee’s star obsession, and her similar star necklace that she wears all the time. Perhaps this will become a new cult item, just like the gold name necklaces after Carrie wore one in ‘Sex and the City’.

Visit the website here.