Retro Reviews: Bow And Crossbones

Here I have another lovely company to review for you! Bow And Crossbones are possibly the best vintage reproduction jewellery brand I have ever come across! There is something for everyone - whether it's a gorgeous lucite glitter brooch or a pair of bamboo hoops. I challenge you to visit their site www.bowandcrossbones.com and not come away with a 'want list' as long as your arm! They also sell kitsch homeware, gifts, accessories and cute Pin-Up/Rockabilly clothing.
I was lucky enough to be sent some picks from their store which arrived super fast and were packaged beautifully. For me, that is really important (the packaging, that is), I just feel if I am going to be treating myself I want the whole works! Especially when it comes to jewellery - there is no point having a beautiful necklace if it comes in a boring old plastic packet! (Okay - there is a point... It is still a beautiful necklace! Hell! I just love a bit of packaging! Call me materialistic!).
I received four items - A pair of silver glitter domed lucite studs, a pair of white & blue confetti lucite domed clip ons, a green double orchid hair flower and a pair of burnt bamboo hoop earrings! I was spoilt :-) Of course, as soon as my package arrived I wore everything straight away - naturally! On the day, I paired my bamboo hoops with orchid hair piece and it looked spiffing if I do say so myself. I also wear both in my Betty Grable Hair Tutorial so I think it's pretty evident I love the combination.
Cam from Bow And Crossbones asked me what my preference was on the earrings as she offers studs and clip on's which I personally think is really lovely as it's refreshing to actually have an option. I told her that she could send me one of each if she'd like so then I can say which is my favorite. I have super sensitive ears which is a pain in the ahem, but I get worried that clip on's aren't as secure as studs - HOWEVER I am relived and surprised to find that I really enjoyed the clip on's and dare I say prefer them! They felt secure as anything but at the same time didn't pinch too hard or hurt at all. Perfect for Gal's like me who's ears flair up at the sight of a stud or if you just don't have your ears pierced.

My Guide To Pin Up Finds On eBay: How To

Now, not to blow my own trumpet, but I do regard myself as quite an eBay connoisseur and have been using eBay for over 5 years. Whenever I post my 'eBay finds' posts or post a treasure I've found online on Instagram, I seem to get asked 'how do you find these things?' or 'what do I search to find things like this?' so I thought I'd just make it easier and do a blog post on how to find the best things on eBay because it isn't always as easy as just searching 'Vintage dress'! I tend to go for the more Buy It Now option as opposed to Auction and I normally am looking for more Pin Up/Reproduction over authentic vintage (which is typically easier to find in Auctions).
So, here is my collection of best tips on finding the best bargains on eBay!

I think one of the best things to know is keywords - Know what you're searching for

Think outside of the box. Not all dresses are going to be listed as 'Pin Up' or 'Rockabilly'... However if you click the 'Search in description' box when using these words your search will be a lot more productive. A lot of my purchases and best finds are going to come from Hong Kong and similar countries - shipping is usually free or very cheap so if you don't mind waiting an extra week or two and would rather pay less then I suggest filtering your search to sellers just outside the UK.