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Wednesday, 12 May 2010

Hearts & Bows at Ark Clothing

The other day I was lucky enough to receive a parcel from Ark Clothing. Up until this point I was un-aware that the website existed, if I am totally honest. I'm not very brave when shopping online and prefer to stick to sites of places I shop on the highstreet such as New Look, or if I'm really daring, Asos.

Ark is, however, a real treasure trove for fabulous brands such as Motel, Brat and Suzie, and another new discovery for me, Hearts & Bows. As you can see, this brand is my style exactly with pastel and floral dresses galore.

One thing I definitely want to mention is how beautifully wrapped the parcel was. Inside the plastic envelope was layers of pink tissue paper protecting the dress and skirt inside.
I don't know about you, but shops that make an extra effort with packaging their goods score automatic brownie points.

I was sent the "Graphite Paris Skirt" which is now hands down the most comfortable skirt I own. I love how it sits on the waist and the shape is brilliant. I know I haven't styled it to it's full potential here, but watch this space for something more exciting!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

At £16.99 I also think it's a reasonable price for something a bit different, and the sizing was perfect.

I also received the "Pink Polka Dot Floral Dress" which is £22.99. It's a little bit too short for me to wear just as a dress for daytime, so I added denim shorts. One problem I often have with dresses is that the front is often too low cut, or gapes; that wasn't an issue here and I only added the long sleeve top for warmth!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Prettiest print. Ever.

Ark scores yet more brownie points with me for having affordable postage;

£2.50 within the UK for orders under £30 and FREE for orders of £30 or more.
International shipping is also available.
If you have any enquiries Ark endeavour to get back to you within 1 hour during office hours.

Ark pride themselves on speedy service; just 1-3 days after your order has been processed which means you won't be hanging around long to wear your new clothes.

Definitely a site to visit, and one I will be returning to for when I feel like treating myself.

Many thanks to Ark for the beautiful treats.

And extended thanks to all you wonderful readers and commenters for your continued support. I won't lie, things are hard this week, and you are ALL helping far more than you could know.
I'll hopefully get round to your blogs over the next day or so xxx

112 comments:

dinoprincesschar said...

Brilliant review, hun, and I love the print of your skirt!
I'll definitely keep this website in mind :)

Carrie said...

I've never heard of Ark before either but they have some cute stuff. Thanks for sharing (and for providing me with another excuse to spend money!)
Your skirt and dress are both lovely.

Annie said...

I do like Ark, find it can be a bit hit or miss though, especially with prices, some items, like you say are very reasonable but others seem a bit high, such as plain jersery t-shirt dresses at £45! But these are all lovely and suit you!

Good luck with everything.

www.aowen87.blogspot.com

giddynici said...

Gorgeous prints. The skirt is fabulous, I LOVE a skirt with pockets! Prices seem very reasonable. And good P+P prices which is what always hacks me off shopping online.

Sorry to hear you are having a tough week. Mahoosive hugs from me.

x

Alex said...

Great review!

Both pieces are just lovely - such pretty prints and shapes. I'm a huge fan of pockets on skirts and dresses too!

pip a la chic said...

I love pirints! So cute,especially the skirt.
WE are all here for you no matter what! xxxx

Sherin said...

The prints are so brilliant. I love the one on the skirt. Off to check them out now!

J. said...

Ive never heard of them either, so thanks for introducing us to them. Love the prints, by the way!

Sher said...

Both the prints of the dress and skirt are so pretty, I love it when they're whimsical and cute like those! Great review:)

xx

kirstyb said...

loving that skirt x

Raquel said...

love the skirt!
sending love and good luck laura!
x

that girl lucy said...

loving all the gorgeous prints!!

Imogen said...

I like them both, very pretty. I also adore your new header, its the best.

Kasia said...

nice skirt!

http://mypointmystyle.blogspot.com/

RocksandReBels said...

Cute items, and good prices :)

I have never ordered things online, I play it too safe, but I am going to check them out. oxox

bogoosha said...

both fabrics are lovely!. u look very pretty.

WoollenTypist said...

I like the skirt and dress...but I'm not too sure about the denim shorts under the dress. Leggings may have been more appropriate maybe? But the dress seems like a good layering piece...def. something you could cary on wearing into winter with layers.

And are those brown tights I spy...heh...glad to know I'm not the only person that wears brown tights...

I must remember to show of my new purchases. xx:)

OneCraftyFox said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous!! I especially love the top look. The skirt is fab and the top is lovely too. That is totally an outfit I would wear.

Thanks also for sharing the info, these points are good to know :)


Come check out my latest giveaway... :)

Zilla said...

They have the bestest flamingo tee on there too!

Krysten @ After 'I Do' said...

Sorry to hear you're having a tough week... we're all here for you!

Cafe Fashionista said...

The name alone - Hearts and Bows - thrills me! It sounds absolutely magical and whimsical. You wear the prints so well - love the femininity of them!! :)

Susan said...

Thanks for the tip, their stuff looks lovely! And I really hope things start to get better soon x

Wise Take said...

Love the print on that little skirt! So cute!

rouli said...

love love love!!!!!!

amazing outfits!!!!!

i mostly loved the print of the first skirt!!!!!

so rockabilly!!!!!

thanx for comm sweetheart!!!!!!!

kiss!

www.thebeautifulandthehard.blogspot.com

Absolutely Ladylike said...

Love the flowery dress on you...and your new header looks amazing! Congrats!

Hope you're having a wonderful week so far my dear friend.

Cheers: Evi

THESTREETFASHION5XPRO said...

lovely flowers & dots outfit

heartshapedbruise. said...

That dress is really pretty - but man, that skirt is amazing. I really really really want it. A lot. But I'm afraid £16.99 for a skirt is out of my budget, how sad is that!? It's bloody lovely though. I may well have to check out this website...

Sorry you're having a tough time, & I really hope things start to look up for you asap :)

www.heart-shaped-bruise.blogspot.com

Mat said...

the people at ark are very nice indeed, there shop is round the corner from the office where i work in manchester.

kudos on the speedy service!

beingdena said...

great review. love the skirt.

I know it's tough now but everything is moving in the right direction and will get better and better.

love you my friend. x

Laisla said...

The clothes come second only to your loveliness dear. Quite the model me thinks. Thanks for informing us about Ark, I will go take a look.

Aside...from one thin girl to another, it is SO refreshing to see so many positive comments. I get a lot of hate in the streets for being tiny when it is just my natural build. Anyway, love your blog!

vintage delights for sale: shop chateau

La Historiadora de Moda said...

The print on both is fantastic, and I absolutely love skirts with pockets!

Hang in there, sweetie! You can do this!

Pippa said...

These are lovely!
Never heard of this website before either :) Just checked it out, looks amazing!!
xox

Naka said...

such cute prints :3

Em x said...

Gorgeous prints and i can't believe how cheap the postage is. I hope you are ok hun xx

chaoskontrolowany said...

Cute skirt:)

monica said...

omg i am in love with that skirt!!!

it looks really good paired with that sweater

janettaylor said...

Such a lovely skirt!

♥ Please don't forget to enter the leather keychains GIVEAWAY!♥ Good luck! ♥

Helen said...

They look great! I've never heard of Ark before either but will have to investigate. x

naomemandeflores said...

Super cute skirt! The print is lovely!

tywo said...

I love the dress.


LOVE!

its simple love said...

I adore that print. And it's so nice that it is comfy too! Cute and comfy... that is not often the true for most clothing items.

Rachael

Sophie said...

amazing flowers!

Laura said...

Nice skirt. Don't take me wrong, you're a pretty girl, but I'm a little worried about your weight, are you doing ok? I think you'd look even prettier if you gain maybe 10 more pounds. I'm against obesity, and I'm all about healthy and fitness, I'm a professional trainer, that's why I'm telling you this.
You have a beautiful blog and I think you have a gorgeous face, so please think about it.
Wishing u the best.

as told by kiki said...

the shape of the skirt looks fantastic on you Laura! :) x

Harriet said...

The pattern on that skirt is so cute! I just love it. I'm not all that adventurous either, but I'm trying to investigate more online brands as I always see other bloggers with such nice things from little obscure shops.

Ivania santos By DIAMOND said...

LOveee your skirt <3

xoxo*, Portugal

fashionfamous said...

I love the flowers :)

xxxx

Sarah said...

This is a new shop to me - took a quick look at their site and it looks like they carry some great brands. The prints on these items you're wearing are gorgeous. Very fair pricing and P&P too. xx
http://weshopthereforeweare.co.uk/

Kate said...

I love getting a parcel in the post and finding it to be beautifully wrapped. It really makes my day! :)

Kate x

MOLLYKT said...

looks like a beautiful selection of prints! i'll have to check it out!
xxx

Panda said...

Lovely, Lovely post. Your blog is beautiful :)
Panda xx
Thanks for the comment, your so sweet!

danniekate said...

i only online shop with shops that have real stores too - i ordered off boohoo.com last week and it's awful! going to have to return it all, so annoyed! x

Fashion, Art and other fancies said...

I love patterns; so pretty too!

Becca Jane said...

Love that skirt! So pretty and the print is lovely!

STEFANIE said...

That skirt & dress is SO you! Love it :) Have a great week Laura, sending you lots of love!

meggasus said...

I love that print as well! You look stunning as usual ;)

Jennifer Fabulous said...

These outfits are so lovely. I especially love the print on the second one. It suits you well. :)

apparellel said...

sounds like a mighty nice find. i adore the prints! looking gorgeous as always. hope you are well.

xxx
t

Kb said...

Love your new headed! You chose some great Ark pieces, love the skirt especially! They have a store in my Uni town which is always worth a visit, lucky you! Hope everything is going well, stay strong.

♥ Cara Mia ♥ said...

sweet skirt! i'm totally loving it! :)

♥ cara mia ♥

FashionJazz said...

Luv ur skirt and review hun! Hope u are well! xx

UgnÄ— said...

Beautiful skirt, I adore all skirts with pockets it's so comfy! :]

Hold on, girl! :]

Dane said...

Really pretty skirt and dress.. perfect choices for you! I hope all is well with you, I do worry sometimes..






www.trustme-itsparadise.blogspot.com
www.renegadelovers.com

Susu Paris Chic said...

Sending you loads of courage... Keep spicing up your days with spirit-lifting apparel. The skirt looks very cute on you!

Shibby said...

Want that skirt!!! :)

Enep said...

You're good at mixing colors!

xx

pixelhazard said...

Love the print of the skirt. Aren't you a lucky little chicken. Yeah i'm not too brave or trusting with internet shopping either

Kandi said...

Skirt is great, fabris is beautiful! I never wear skirts at all - so I looked at it and though ooohh I could make some lovely makeup bags from that! I am useless :)
Kandi xx

couture whore said...

i love this skirt, it's so adorable. im following you. xo

Platform Princess said...

The pink dress is pretty sweeeeet!

x

Martwa Marta said...

your skirt is so cute!

Fleur-de-Lis said...

SOrry dear, but i'm having so much work that only now i have the time to see this post. Loved the prints, look gorgeous on you. Hope you have a nice weekend and thanks for keep visiting me :)
**wish you the best

Poppy♥ said...

i love u daisychain!! ur outfit is amazing!!

muchlove said...

Loving these pieces! So pretty!

mel said...

you look gorgeous! i love tese prints, amazing
xx

indigotangerine said...

such cute prints! And nice packaging is the best
-indigo

Clara said...

lovely! <3

heart charlie said...

I love your skirt in the first photos!!

(always)alanna said...

superrr cute- adoree that pattern girl!
xx

Krimly said...

I prefer your first outfit!:)

xoxo
www.mycherrygum.com

Anika said...

hey gorgeous girl,

hugs galore your way!!

xx

p.s. love the prints, more than anything, on these goodies. So pretttty. Me likey :)

Have a good weekend, hun.

sasha b. said...

those prints are SO cute. love polka dots and floral print together and they look great on ya

CherryBlossom said...

Great review lovely, you're so lucky to be able to review some great clothes!

Couture Carrie said...

Gorgeous, darling!
Love these prints!

xoxox,
CC

Leah said...

It is such a pretty skirt and I agree with you, packaging makes a lot of impact on me too.

You know what, I bought a floral tights from H&M the other day because I was inspired by your different looks wearing patterned and printed tights. But sadly, when I got home and tried it on, I looked so funny. Why can't I look like you do when you wear those tights? Hahaha! Wishful thinking. xoxo

Andrea said...

I love your skirt, it's gorgeous!

Fee-AMore said...

Thats a cute skirt! Oh, i hope things are managing fine! Take a deep breath, it helps. ;)

dotie said...

i'm so liking the print on that skirt..cute ;)

eclectic du jour

Charlie said...

great review! you are so good at mixing colours too.

please, if you like come enter my little giveaway here: http://pinkwater-lily.blogspot.com/2010/05/teeny-tiny-giveaway.html

coolboy said...

beautiful floral designs looks great

nookie said...

pretty items, love the skirt

MJ said...

Oh awesome, lucky you! I hope you are feeling better soon...

Danielle said...

cute outfits as always!

What Would a Nerd Wear said...

such pretty prints on that skirt and dress!!

Jen said...

Such lovely pieces! I love the colour and print on the dress. In fact, they're both utterly lovely! :)

* Reena Rai * said...

That skirt is amazing, love the shape and the adorable print! Hope you have been ok lovely xx

Tuesday said...

I've always adore your printed dresses/ skirts/ clothes. I might be boring my readers for too much plain texture, I should be brave enough to try textures too!

Shia-Shia said...

i love love love the prints skirt look sooo adorable (^^)

please visit & follow me
http://natalieshiashia.blogspot.com/

Chloe, Butterfly Cupcakes said...

That top skirt is so lovely, I love the pattern and it definitely does look comfy.

trishie said...

Love the print on the skirt!

June Paski said...

I love ur skirt in the first look, very cutee!

emma wallace said...

Oh, the print on the skirt is so adorable!

iamemmamusic.blogspot.com

Heather said...

I still love your green tights the best :)

Julia said...

Beautiful pieces, and you've styled them so eclectically and romantically!

xx

Wrecked Stellar said...

Beautiful prints! Sending you good vibes!

Victoria-H said...

haha aww, "you're welcome" haha..
Oo cute skirt and cute print !

Berlin said...

Somehow I feel the second outfit is kind of weird, maybe it's just me >< But, I do like your first outfit =3

And, thanks for the early wish.

I do hate online shopping as we can't try the outfits to see if it fits, plus the shipping and all, and the waiting is not fun =(

Kisses and hugs,
Berlin

Breee said...

cute outfits :)

I love the skirt <3


http://vivalabreee.blogspot.com/

Sahakiel said...

That pink dress is extremely pretty and looks great on you, dear!! Love it!!

Anonymous said...

you've got anorexia dont you....

joseph said...

Wonderful Print And Flowers.Great designs And Good looking colors.

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