.ruby blue.

Some Early Week Newness

2012-01-17T14:17:00.003Z

With some unexpected cold weather, the below treats should warm you up; The exquisite 50s Rabbit fur cape and sheepskin stole literally, and the fabulous 70s platforms and 50s court shoes warming the soul and feeding your hungry eyes, AMAZING!

Antiques Centre

2012-01-13T16:59:00.002Z

On a beautiful January day, the centre was glowing.

Oh Hi New Treats

2012-01-13T16:45:00.002Z

Many a new treat to be found in Ruby this weekend, so make sure you take a little visit.

Below are some of my favourite new things, starting with the amazing 1950s sunglasses.

The green and black 1950/60s dress is stunning in real life, such a nice shape and fabric.

The delightful little purse was snapped up the minute i put him on sale, so unfortunately he's already gone, but to a worthy home i'd say.

Happy weekending everyone.

Bag Lady

2012-01-10T20:32:00.003Z

They say you can tell a lot about someone by delving into their bag.

I don't really know what my bag says about me, but i know it's always way too full of things that i probably don't really need to be carrying around.

This weekend this collection of darling bags will be available to purchase from RB.

With the various styles and sizes, i hope you'll find something that's well suited to you and your belongings.

My favourites are, the 1950s genuine cow skin handbag, and the jazzy little Egyptian leather clutch bag.

New Jewels

2012-01-10T20:22:00.003Z

Happy New Year, i hope you all had a wonderful festive period and are not feeling too blue now the festivities are all over for another year.

It's been nearly a year since big Ruby closed and upped sticks to her quaint new home, so over the next few weeks i hope to post some old pictures of her and regale some old tales, as well as chit chat and post about new and exciting stock/plans for new little Ruby.

So let this be the first of those posts. This collection of pretty 1950s jewels will be on sale as of this weekend, priced between £6 and £20, enjoy.

For She's a Jolly Good Fellow!

2011-12-08T13:04:00.001Z

Happy Birthday Ruby Blue, 4 today. Feels like only yesterday you were born and brightened up our lives x

Merry Christmas

2011-12-06T13:11:00.003Z

A cozy Sunday night making Christmas Decorations for RB.

Ingredients...

- Wrapping paper

- Vintage buttons

- String

- Ribbon

I hope you'll agree, Miss Ruby looks every inch the Christmas belle.

Auction Treats For Me and My Pals

2011-12-01T17:22:00.003Z

I love my pals. I love Auctions. I love taxidermy. What a lucky young buck i was on monday to experience all three in one fell swoop!

Thrilled with my new purchases, especially as i fought to win them... Congratulations to me.

New This Week

2011-12-01T17:09:00.002Z

Treats this week come in the form of a beautiful tan leather clutch bag, two silk hankies and a rather divine astrakhan coat. More to come...

New Treasure

2011-11-26T09:37:00.003Z

A night of pricing new treasures at home magically transformed into lots of pretty things on sale in RB. Check it all out while it's still smoking hot.

Coming Soon to RB

2011-11-19T15:57:00.002Z

1940s Splendor

2011-11-19T15:54:00.003Z

Below is a photograph i recently took of my Mother and Father dressed up in 1940s Ruby Blue (with a few modern pieces thrown in for good measure). They were off to a charity event and looked every inch perfectly beautiful and oh so handsome.

Welcome Back

2011-11-19T15:16:00.007Z

It seems that lately all i do is apologise for my lack of posts... Yet here we are again.

Please excuse me, it's been an awfully busy three months, but this time i really do promise that i won't leave it so long between posts.

As i've been away for so long, i thought i'd leave you with a little visual diary of all that has been happening since we last spoke.

There has been, adventures, holidays, new jobs, weddings and so much more. Hope you enjoy looking at them, and feel suitably updated.

I've missed you.

Ruby Weddings

2011-08-21T15:13:00.003+01:00

40 years ago today, my Mother and Father were getting married. Today our family and friends celebrate my parents ruby wedding anniversary, with laughs, smiles and memories.

Here's a little story for you all, the space that we all know as old Ruby was once a florist, this florist is where the flowers for my Mother's wedding bouquet were purchased, neat huh?

Well congratulations to my beautiful role models, here's to many more years of love and happiness.

New/Old Treasures

2011-08-07T19:03:00.005+01:00

If you go into Ruby at the moment you'll be greeted with a delightful collection of treasures.

Also, i don't know if i've blogged about this or not, but if you haven't already befriended us on facebook make sure you do :)

Swallow Guardians

2011-08-04T13:29:00.003+01:00

After closing big Ruby, much of the things i kept went into storage. My brother is storing most of it in his garage loft until the day i finally have room to resurrect it all.

Today i went to retrieve a few things only to find that my boxes and covered furniture are being guarded by a family of little swallows.

As the RB logo is a swallow i felt all emotional and goosepimply about the wonderful symbolic nature of this discovery.

Although you can't see them darting around on the video above, their guarding song is beautiful, warning all who enter the loft that they are protecting precious and beloved treasure.

I'm glad and extremely thankful that someone is there to keep my beautiful belongings company, safe, and out of harms reach.

Something Old

2011-08-03T23:21:00.002+01:00

My favourite piece of jewellery in stock at the moment has to be these cute little clip on earrings.

Anyone know anyone getting married any time soon, these little treasures would be the perfect 'Something Old' right?

R.I.P Amy

2011-08-03T23:07:00.004+01:00

I realise this post is a little late, but i'm still devastated about the sad loss of a young musical icon.

Amy Winehouse has been a huge part of my musical listenings ever since 2003 when my sister bought me her debut album 'Frank'. Since then i've been lucky enough to experience her music live on more than one occasion, a truly amazing experience that will surely not be forgotten.

Her music was often heard blasting out of old RB, and will most definitely still be heard blasting out of my stereo for many years to come.

Thank you Miss Amy Winehouse, may you rest in peace. You sent me flying.

Witty Woo

2011-07-21T18:34:00.001+01:00

Lost and Found

2011-07-21T15:10:00.004+01:00

The attic to my house is directly above my bedroom, one of these days i fear that the ceiling will cave in and the bedroom that i currently love more than anything will be changed forever.

This attic space is the home to a lifetime of my families belongings, clothes, furniture, electrical appliances, toys, school books, cassette tapes, i could literally go on forever.

Every time i mention something amazing that i've seen in an auction or antique shop to my parents i'm always greeted with the same reply, "oh, we've got one of those in the attic." Ordinarily that would be great, i'd tot up the ladders and retrieve said item, letting it breathe new air and be loved once again.... However if you saw my attic, you would know that this is not the case. There is stuff on top of stuff, on top of stuff, on top of stuff....

Not too long ago i remembered about something that i'd seen up there that i wanted to bring down. After unsuccessfully searching for about 20 minutes i gave up, however i did stumble upon one of my Mothers old hand bags. And inside the hand bag were a collection of her old childhood brooches.

My Mother is of Greek Cypriot origin, and came over to England in the early 1960s with my Grandfather, Grandmother and Aunty, after being forced out the country due to war with Turkey. This being the case most of their belongings were left behind, which is one of the reasons why i treasure anything that survived my family's time in Cyprus.

These little plastic brooches were obviously so special to my childhood Mother, she told me of how she quickly collected them together and threw them in my Grandmothers handbag, before having to evacuate their house; the little cat hair pin safely nested in my Mothers hair.

50 years later they are still safe, and have now proudly become my treasure.

Dear...

2011-07-21T14:54:00.004+01:00

We all know by now that i love old postcards, but there's something even more exciting about finding them when they're from the city or town that you live.

Below are two postcards of old Carlisle that recently came into my possession from 1964 and 1958 (i think, the date is a little unclear).

LTD Edition Bags

2011-06-08T16:58:00.002+01:00

Don't know if you remember these, but if you have one i would recommend that you keep a tight hold of it.

Back in February my good friend Lydia Leith designed a Royal Wedding sick bag. You'd probably have to have been hidden in a mine or something not to have heard about them.

Anyway, now that she's a celebrity, these limited edition hand screen printed RB carrier bags might be worth something in the future?

Were you lucky enough to get one?

New

2011-06-08T16:39:00.003+01:00

A nice little 1960s shift dress, perfect for any summer occasion.... Providing the nice weather comes back obviously.

Resurrection

2011-06-08T16:26:00.002+01:00

For avid followers you'll know that my bedroom is my favourite place of all time. Recently i had a little swap around and finally managed to find room for some of the old RB treasures that i would never sell, see what you can spot.

www.sundaysaremine.blogspot.com

New Ditties

2011-06-08T13:51:00.003+01:00

Hello, may i firstly apologise for the lack of updates of late, i've been completely rubbish and promise to end the blogging drought, so i hope you can forgive me. I also hope you're all well, successful, and enjoying whatever it is you're currently up to.

Just thought i'd post some pics of one or two of my favourite new things currently kicking back in RB.

1977 Ivory Rotary Telephone.

1980s Bally Shoes.

Totally Amazing 1950s Shorts (newly re-zipped).

1980s Jaeger Blouse.

Fashion designer Frederick Starke started his own label in the late 1920s and after the Second World War he opened his own showroom in Bruton Street. He was probably most famous for his designs for Honor Blackman on the hit 1960s TV Show 'The Avengers'.

The beautiful dress photographed above has been a tricky one for me to age, and could be anything from 1940s-1960s. What's nice about this piece is that it's extremely wearable and timeless in style. The fabric itself is in excellent condition and would look amazing on anyone come Autumn/Winter.

Friday Night

2011-03-30T18:36:00.002+01:00

For the first time EVER Ruby Blue and Goodbye Norma Jean Vintage are hooking up for a night of fabulous vintage clothing and accessories.

Come along to Carlisle Antiques Center, Cecil Street, from 7pm with that hard earned cash and blooming well treat yourself. With mother's Day just around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to seek out that special gift you know she won't already have!

William's Cafe will also be open, supplying light bites and hot and cold drinks, along with your favourite beers and wines. There will also be a Medium there if you fancy getting your future told.....although i could read it for you right now.....FRIDAY NIGHT WILL BE AMAZING!

Can't wait to see you all :)

New In!

2011-03-22T17:43:00.003Z

If you go down to RB this week you will find some delightful new treats.

My favourite two things are definitely the 1950s Paris scarf, as pictured below, and the stunning 1940s net and velvet hat, also pictured below.

You will also find a collection of postcards, some written on, dating back to 1914, shoes, purses, more scarves, cardigans, homewears, etc.

So be sure to pop into RB and snatch some loveliness for yourself or for someone you love.

Newspaper

2011-02-25T17:40:00.001Z

A little bit of press coverage, introducing Carlisle to the new little Ruby Blue.

How do you like my rather embarrassed face?....... Oh dear.

Introducing Ruby Two

2011-02-10T19:13:00.002Z

Welcome to Ruby Blue (Two) I hope you enjoy looking at these cute little snaps, all we're waiting for now is the sign outside, which should be up by next week.

Hope to see you soon. RB loves you :) x

Exciting News!!

2011-02-01T23:34:00.002Z

So this is the latest exciting news.

Although RB as we know it has closed its doors for good, Ruby's little sister is expected to be born next week!! As of Tuesday (hopefully) you will find Ruby's little sister in Carlisle Antique Center - Cecil Street. She will be extremely teeny and tiny, but ever so cute.

Unfortunately fellas Ruby Two will only be big enough to house a small women's collection, and select homewares, so you'll just have to wait for the website in order to wear RB close to your heart once more.

Come back next week to see pictures of our brand new Ruby :) x

Customers

2011-01-27T10:52:00.004Z

So last night my good friend and should be wife Sarah Lightfoot sent me some images of some of the favourite things she has purchased from RB over the years, complete with tags and the words "RB will always have a loving place in my heart."

This inspired me... i'd love to see pictures of the stock that you've tenderly skipped away with over the years along with a little description or special memory you have wearing or using RB products. Once received i'll post them on this here blog for all to share.

email ruby.blue@hotmail.co.uk if you would like to take part?

I also had a lovely phone conversation with a good customer yesterday afternoon, which made me happy and sad all at the same time. Her words were wonderfully genuine and carefully chosen to express the gratitude and appreciation of an act i thought nothing of at the time.

I'm really going to miss dealing with such fantastic people, after all it really is you that has made Ruby the beautiful woman she is.

So once again, thank you kind customers, you will be truly missed. x

New York

2011-01-19T10:47:00.006Z

So while you've all been sending me your lovely comments and emails etc etc i've been living it up in New York City.

I was lucky enough to be in NY for New Year, which was majorly exciting, truly the best 10 days my nearly 26 years have ever spent. I felt infinite, fabled, biblical (and whatever other legendary words you can think of) the whole time i was there.

Anyway the real reason i'm writing this post is to gush about all the amazing Vintage shops/areas i visited. Brooklyn, Williamsburg and Alphabet City...... Frickin AWESOME!!!

My favourite shop however was in Brooklyn and goes by the name of "Odd Twin". From the moment i saw the shop front i knew we were going to fall deeply in love.

Everything about it was perfect, full to the brim of amazing products, props and displays. It made me feel sad to retire RB but also made me excited to think that they would have been such good friends if they were ever to meet. So being the total geek i was all vacation i asked the shop assistant if i could take some pictures using the 35mm SLR that adorned my neck the entire trip.

If you are ever in NY i urge you to visit this place. Until then you can enjoy these little snaps.

Thank you once again for all your wonderful words.

In the Spring i plan to launch RB to the masses online. This is very exciting and also very scary as i have no idea how websites work, but i hope with the help of some very talented people RB online will be just as beautiful as the real thing (if the website sucks it won't go ahead, so be happy that it's going to be awesome!)

I'll also continue to write this little blog, keeping it full of news, adventures and things to make us all smile.

RB LOVES YOU x

News

2010-12-24T12:32:00.002Z

Dear Customers of Ruby Blue,

It is with great regret to inform you that as of the end of January 2011, I will be laying Ruby Blue to rest.

May I take this opportunity to thank you from the depths of my heart for all the kind words and support you have shown over the past 3 years, your loyalty and devotion to what has been created here will never be forgotten.

I will walk away happy and proud in the knowledge that Ruby Blue will sleep happy and loved.

A million Thank Yous and Merry Christmas x

[More news on this soon]

Now On Sale

2010-12-09T13:36:00.003Z

Our good friends at Motive Sounds have now delivered the new 'Over The Wall' and 'Keaton Henson' albums. Both very different, but bound to make you feel infinite whatever your mood.

Visit the delightful Motive website for more information on the bands mentioned and the rest of the Motive Sounds family.

'Over The Wall' - Treacherous £10.00

'Keaton Henson' - Dear £8.00

Happy Birthday

2010-12-08T10:19:00.002Z

Happy Birthday Ruby Blue - 3 Today. I'm very proud of the lady you've become :) x

Ladies Window - Christmas 2010

2010-12-02T11:31:00.003Z

Mens Window - Christmas 2010

2010-12-02T11:23:00.002Z

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-02T11:00:00.005Z

It was a long night spent it RB getting the old lass ready for Christmas, but as if by Christmas magic we made it, and here she is.

Merry Christmas x

Seasons Greetings

2010-11-30T16:13:00.003Z

Here are this years Christmas cards, which went on sale today.

(Images of Christmas rb to follow, when i find a camera that isn't broken).

On The Road Again

2010-11-26T14:50:00.003Z

Yesterday saw myself and the beautiful Julia [of Culietta] take to the snowy roads to stock RB up for christmas, and what a hoot we had. Whilst filling my little MJ up with petrol, we thought it was only fitting for everyone to share our love for one another.

Tuesday will see all the new christmas stock, glistening and sparkling bright just waiting for your love and tenderness. See you then :)

Autumn Windows

2010-11-10T16:46:00.004Z

Whilst planning my christmas windows today it came to my attention that i still haven't posted about our current Autumn windows.

Please excuse the awful images, it's so hard to take a good picture of a window.

Not really a great example but thought i'd share anyway, also good practice for the christmas window, which in my head looks rather darn smashing!

RB On The Road

2010-11-10T13:46:00.003Z

Sunday saw ruby blue take to the road for the very first time, all in aid of a charity fundraiser for the Soroptimist International Foundation.

Like i said it's the first time i've done anything like this and was so hard to decide what to take, when you're used to filling up a whole shop, filling a table is surprisingly difficult.

I strongly believe that Sunday's are for spending money not making it, having said that i guess you could call it a successful afternoon, sometimes you just have to make exceptions :)

Culietta

2010-10-15T16:33:00.004+01:00

Ruby Blue is proud to present the arrival of Culietta Jewellery.

Fabulous jewellery not for the faint of heart. Changing the world one squished rabbit at a time.

Blooming Marvelous!

New Warmers

2010-10-13T15:50:00.004+01:00

A little collection of new ladies knitwear. And what a delightful collection it is, definitely need some wool in this cold weather. I LOVE IT!

ps. You might remember this video?

Well it can now be permanently found on the right hand side of the RB blog. After converting the file it has lost some of its quality, apologies for that, but you get the idea. Nice.

2010 Autumn Collection

2010-09-29T14:19:00.005+01:00

Autumn/Winter is finally here and i couldn't be happier.

Introducing... Wool, Cashmere, Leather, Tartan, Fur, Hats, Scarves, Gloves, Boots..... ahhhh i hate how we've had to wait so long to wear this again. Autumn/Winter clothes are definitely the best, all the textures and layers... beautiful.

I always feel the shop looks much more luxurious during this period, the lighting is always so warm and inviting....BRING ON THIS COLD WEATHER.

Anyway the reason for this post wasn't to gush about my love affair with the changing season but to inform you of the new Autumn collection. There are some lovely pieces in so come and grab them while they're still here.

(Ps. Anyone else notice how much the black checked 1950s dress pictured below looks like the new Prada collection? Wizard).

Posters

2010-09-29T14:11:00.002+01:00

Thanks to the very talented James McCarthy these posters were born. Keep an eye out for them as they'll be posted around Carlisle and the surrounding areas very soon.

Forgotten

2010-09-22T19:29:00.003+01:00

A swell little snap that i had forgotten all about from when i was in print last week.

In other news Ruby Blue will be the home for some lovely new autumnal bits and bobs as of next tuesday, so come and have a peek while it's all still crisp.

Sundays Are Mine.

2010-09-15T15:09:00.001+01:00

Just a little note to inform you of my new little blog... Sundays Are Mine.

Check it out if you have some free time :)

Screen Printing

2010-09-14T13:30:00.007+01:00

So this week i went screen printing with good personal friend and good friend of RB Lydia Leith.

I've never done screen printing before but always wanted to have a go, luckily for me i had Miss Leith's expertise on hand.

I've always been happy and proud of the fact that the Ruby Blue carrier bags are all hand stamped before they house your goods and hold your hands, in a way being as unique as the merchandise purchased. However, although they are lovely as they are, for a while i've wanted them to have a bit more impact.... So off i trotted to the screen printers, about 100 bags in hand, because what's better than hand stamped carrier bags?.... Hand screen printed carrier bags of course!

Below are pictures of the journey.

Much more hard work than i thought, especially when you have to print each bag 4 times!

But who cares how much work went into them when they look this flippin neat right?!

Get yourself one before they all go, as at present they are limited.

Many thanks to Lydia for her assistance and hard work.

My Best Car Boot Buy EVER!

2010-09-07T10:48:00.000+01:00

Last bank holiday monday i went to a car boot sale, which is usually very good. However this time it was a little disappointing, i managed to get a few good things but on the whole it wasn't as good as it normally is.

UNTIL......

Casually looking at a stall that was very good (mainly because it was held by a dealer) i somehow got chatting about an old film projector that he had, initially not interested because i already have one in the shop.

He opened up the box to show me it and rainbows and sunbeams shot out.... inside was a film reel of the Queen's Coronation, along with the receipt from when it was purchased back in 1953, i clutched my heart fearing it had stopped beating. Well that sealed the deal, i had to buy it. My parents have collected Coronation memorabilia for years, we literally have hundreds of pieces, and out of my brother and sister i'm the only one who has taken an interest in it.

So below are some awful quality pictures of the projector in all it's glory.

I just love the Queen, and now that i own this, i can probably just die!

Weekend Staff

2010-09-06T11:16:00.001+01:00

I have a weekend off, leave the shop in the capable hands of a friend, and this is what happens..... Little critters.

Heaven

2010-09-03T16:44:00.000+01:00

As previously blogged about, my bedroom is pretty much my favourite place of all time. I'm still to experience the type of feeling i have when i'm in there somewhere else, and to be pretty honest, i don't think i will.

My fireplace area is one of the best in the room i think, and this is why. This picture was taken a little while ago on 35mm film, still my most loved format.

My skull and taxidermy collection is coming along swimmingly, i've still got a long way to go before i'm fully satisfied with it, but for now i'd give myself a B minus.

NEW IN THIS WEEK!

2010-09-02T16:20:00.000+01:00

This week saw the arrival of a few new bits and bobs (more to come) above are three delightful bags that i doubt will be in stock for very long. I'm still not sure which is my favourite, maybe because they look so good all together.

Then below are these completely super duper roller skates. Maybe we could have a roller disco? Then again i've never really been one for skating, my eldest niece had a roller skating party a few years ago and needless to say i spent more time on the floor than on wheels. Mebs not then eh!

Savage Vs Salvage

2010-09-01T13:28:00.000+01:00

Once upon a very hungover morning, i decided to take a trip to a local salvage yard from which my parents have recently purchased some new back doors for our kitchen and some 1930s stained glass panels.

This place was seriously amazing and got my banging head all a flutter with display and merchandising ideas for the coming autumn winter season.... which i'm totally jonesing for by the way.

Anyway i decided to take a few snaps because it was such a beautiful morning.

Pinch, punch, first of the month.

Greetings Part Three

2010-08-26T16:13:00.001+01:00

A few new card designs ready for the weekend.

I recently sent some post and Royal Mail spoilt it by loosing it. I even made the best wrapping paper/envelope to send it in, took blooming ages, but the post man obviously disliked it. The content was quite important also and cannot be replaced.....i guess it's my own fault for trusting the postie and not deciding to send it recorded delivery.

So i hope you have much more luck than i did when sending post to your chosen beauty.

Happy posting.

(ps. This is my 100th post. That's exciting)

Ruby Blue Recommends

2010-08-25T13:31:00.000+01:00

This week i bought an album on a whim simply because i liked the cover and it was £4.99 in the sale (who doesn't love things with cats on right!?).

And do you know what, i'm so glad that i did because i think i've fallen head over heals in love with it!

It has also inspired me to have a little 'ruby blue recommends' section at the cash register to spread the love of my current favourite music.

It is with much adoration that i pass these nostalgic summer melodies on to you to nurture and parent for yourselves.

Below is one of my favourite tracks off the debut album called 'Paper Boat' and has pretty much become my new repeat track. I hope you enjoy it as much as i do :)

Man Things

2010-08-24T14:54:00.000+01:00

So followers of our blog will know by now that i love keeping things for myself, instead of selling them in the shop as intended.....here is my latest keep...woopsie.

- A 1950s mens shaving mirror, complete with light and charger.

I'm pretty much overjoyed with it; and had to rearrange my dressing table in order for it to look its best. From older posts you know how important being a gentleman is to me, and every gentleman needs gentlemanly things right? When am i ever going to come across another one of these? So it's only right that is has remained firmly mine.... or that's what i'm telling myself anyway.

Advertising

2010-08-19T13:28:00.000+01:00

New in this week are these delightful tin advertisements. Below are my favourite four out of the seven that are in stock. Around postcard size these little beauts will be a welcome addition to any kitchen or collection cabinet.

Keaton Henson

2010-08-18T12:05:00.000+01:00

'Nests' from Keaton Henson on Vimeo.

Keaton Henson is the newest member of the Motive Sounds family. He is truly amazing and definitely worth a listen or listens. Not only is he a slamming musician but his videos are a work of art, as are his actual works or art.... pretty jealous of his talents really, damn him.

Stay tuned for more information about him as we'll be stocking his incredible music very soon!

Money Money Money...

2010-08-04T13:48:00.000+01:00

This utterly delightful vintage till is my new pride and joy toy! I think it is impossible for me to love it any more than i actually do. Why don't you make a boy happy and come and buy neato treats so i can play on it :)

Mix Tapes

2010-08-01T20:51:00.001+01:00

Reading Dexter, making mix tapes and watching Six Feet Under is the only way to spend a Saturday night in. Bliss i'd say.

Candle Light

2010-07-29T14:28:00.001+01:00

Here are some little candles currently on sale. Tied with neat as blue and red ribbon and the mother of all matches.....SWAN!

Anyone who knows me well knows that swan matches are the only matches for me and like the packaging suggests, "The Original ." It's something about the smell that is different from other matches, and maybe the nostalgia of my Dad smoking a pipe when i was growing up?

Anyway they're the flipping best.

Treat yourself or someone you love to some well earned relaxation this weekend and put those feet up by candle light.

Introducing The New and Improved Miss Ruby Blue.

2010-07-24T11:43:00.001+01:00

RB November/December 2007

2010-07-16T12:07:00.000+01:00

With changes only a week away i've been revisiting some old photographs of the store in order to get some old inspiration.

The following images were taken in the process of dressing ruby for the very first time back in 2007.

(New pics of miss blue to follow next week).

Summer Stock Launch Party

2010-07-14T17:58:00.001+01:00

From Monday 19th Miss Ruby will shut her doors for the week while she gets filled up with lots of new goodies and has a little shift around.

So head on down on Friday 23rd from 4pm to be the first to check out and purchase all the new wears. SWIFT!

Hope to see you there x

PS. Thank You to good friend of RB Lydia Leith for the completely delicious poster.

Summer Holiday

2010-06-17T12:54:00.001+01:00

Check these little beach babes in their 1940s swimming costumes. I think i might ditch the other lady previously blogged about and fall in love with the little lady above instead.

If she says yes i'll probably take her on holiday so her fabulous swim wear doesn't go to waste.

Wish me luck, hope you're out enjoying the sunshine.

Father's Day

2010-06-11T14:36:00.001+01:00

The day for which we celebrate the greatness of our Fathers is fast approaching. A week on sunday (20th June).

If you haven't been super organised and already got your card, below is this years Ruby Blue hand made selection.

They're a bit of fun this year; as you can see from the last image.

So if your dad is your hero, like mine is, write it down in one of these cheeky cards.

Love

2010-06-05T11:20:00.000+01:00

I could just be sick about how much i love all the things photographed in this post. I don't really know where to begin describing it all, so i don't think i will.

Why was the 1950s/1960s so perfect?

This weekend is about sophistication i think. If you're going out at all i think you should spend hours getting ready. Pamper yourself, glass of wine, some sweet jazz blasting, resulting in elegant and classy dress.

I'm off to a wedding tonight so that's just what i'm going to do.

Also i think i might fancy that hot little toot pictured above, she get's my vote, maybe i'll ask her to dinner?

Heart Pegs

2010-06-05T11:14:00.000+01:00

What could be better than writing a note to a loved one on one of these totally neat chalk board heart pegs? Much better than a scrappy piece of paper no? Plus you've got it forever and ever.

Plan your sweet nothings and get one purchased.

Saturday Kitchen

2010-06-05T10:55:00.000+01:00

Just a few little ditties to make your house nice and pretty. I'm beginning to think that kitchens are my favourite rooms. Which might explain my obsession with collecting cutlery and other random bits of crockery of late; you know for that kitchen that i don't own...i think i'm an idiot.

Summer :)

2010-05-25T11:50:00.000+01:00

Just like last year RB enjoyed the sunshine over the weekend with a little stall out in the courtyard. However unlike last year it worked a treat and ruby was treated to a shop and pavement full of interested and happy shoppers.

Thank you sunshine, hurry up and put your hat back on then!

Packaging

2010-05-19T13:08:00.000+01:00

A new little bag for all your teeny ruby blue purchases. Perfect for summer don't you think?

Blah

2010-05-13T16:33:00.000+01:00

The perfect card to send to someone when you have absolutely nothing to say.

Ramble away and send someone some love this weekend. I guarantee you'll make their day.

[Want to know something that didn't make my day yesterday.... finding out that a first class stamp is now 41p... what on earth? Still a post lover though]

Welcome to Ruby Blue

2010-05-13T12:56:00.000+01:00

1950s Tea Time

2010-05-11T14:35:00.000+01:00

Fresh from the 1950s these little treasures are in perfect condition and should really be living in my house and not for sale in ruby blue.

You don't even know how much i want to keep this tea pot and tea set. I really am the worst shop owner in the world...maybe i should open a museum instead?

So if you want to buy these, i'd recommend you do it soon before i change my mind.

[Literally the second i posted this little ditty, the beautiful tea pot sold.....i regret letting it go already. Farewell friend]

Matchboxes

2010-05-08T14:56:00.000+01:00

Check this little lot out.

This week i purchased a huge box full of vintage matchboxes. Some of them are really neat and as always i have decided to keep some for myself [woops].

I've scanned a few of my favourites for you to see [i was good and decided to sell these ones]. If you like these then there's plenty more in store.

50p each for a little piece of history..... Bargain, that's NOWT!

Bank Holiday Weekends

2010-05-03T13:51:00.001+01:00

Bank Holidays are pretty much just for being hungover right?

This is what my weekend looked like, and i couldn't be happier about it. What did you do?

Ring Ring!

2010-05-01T13:36:00.000+01:00

New in this weekend is this totally rad 1960s/1970s rotary telephone. Perfect working order, these phones seem to be making a big come back so get it now or regret it later.

Happy Bank holiday weekend x

Ps it also seems that i can't spell "their" all of a sudden? what a complete goon!

Birds Vs Planes

2010-04-27T14:58:00.000+01:00

Here at ruby blue we are keen to promote as much local talent as our little shop will allow.

The newest addition to the RB family comes in the form of Birds Vs Planes.

Birds Vs Planes are smoking hot Carlisle locals blessing our ears with amazing music.

As well as the amazing music they are now blessing us with delightful merchandise [designed by another talented Carlisle resident and good friend Lydia Leith].

If you can't wait until one of their gigs to get your hands on the bitchin' merch, fear not, just pop into the labyrinth of ruby blue and buy until you make yourself sick.

Prices are as follows...

- Mens and Ladies T Shirts [two designs various sizes] - £7.00

- EP - £4.00

- Tote Bag - £4.00

- Badges - £1.00 for three. Or free with any other purchase.

New Signs

2010-04-21T19:47:00.000+01:00

So it's only taken me just over 2 years to make a street sign for outside (what a gonk).

I stumbled upon this art deco fire screen a little while ago in a charity shop and thought he would be perfect. After a day of painting this is what the finished product looks like. Neato huh?

Thank you to Louise Waugh for the use of your hand writing, temporary it may be, but i think your chalk skills were.....well, skill.

Royal Birthdays

2010-04-21T19:17:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday Your Majesty. Many happy returns, don't forget to make a wish when you're blowing out your candles. I celebrated by drinking luscious fresh peppermint tea from your face. x

Kitties

2010-04-19T18:34:00.000+01:00

My cats are such cheeky little hoots!

Featured in the first photograph is Dexter. Dexter is a very handsome fellow and such a gentleman, he is very courteous and ever so placid; as you can see by the way he's just chilling in a plant pot.

Prudence on the other hand is a whole lot of fun and always up to mischief. So it was no surprise when my Dad showed me this picture he took of her having a good old natter with a mouse.

YOU GUYS ARE THE BEST!

Narc Magazine

2010-04-17T12:18:00.000+01:00

Narc is a free monthly music magazine based in the North East, published on the last wednesday of every month and is now stocked in ruby blue.

It's a pretty neat magazine as is it's accompanying website.

So if you're feeling a little behind the times when it comes to new music, this magazine will surely make you hip once again. This month there's even a free compilation CD, YAHOOO!

Limited Stock, so get one while you can.

Best Friends

2010-04-14T14:06:00.000+01:00

So it turns out that my new bike Winston and i are best friends, i mean he's just 100% bodacious. I just know that we're going to have a super swell summer, just us, the sunshine, and the open road :D

Easter 2009

2010-04-03T12:37:00.000+01:00

Last years Easter really was a triumph, as demonstrated above.

Dozing on Dolly = LOVE

I wonder what this year will bring? More of the same i hope :)

Wishing you a Happy Easter x

Happy Easter

2010-03-31T14:27:00.000+01:00

So i was really tempted to be cheesy and title this post "Hoppy Easter" but then i decided that was the worst idea of all time....however i guess the fact that i've written about it kinda means that this is entitled "Hoppy Easter" after all...... ANYWAY!

Inspired by our Bunny garland in the window, these cards would make anyone smile on Easter Sunday, and if they don't....well they're wrong innit.

Happy (Hoppy) Easter :) x

Motive Sounds - Over The Wall

2010-03-31T14:11:00.001+01:00

Yippeeeee the new Over The Wall vinyl single is now on sale!!! :)

As a big fan of the band i was very happy indeed when they arrived onto my lap yesterday night.

Hand numbered, limited run of 300, including free fold out poster, and on snazzy blue vinyl to boot.

Get in store now and grab your copy before they run out.

For more info about all things Motive Sounds related check their website.

(currently being updated)

www.motivesounds.com

Greetings Part Two

2010-03-30T15:44:00.001+01:00

Part two of our little animal card series. New characters, new accessories, new little stories.

These little beauts have been selling well so thought it would be nice to extend the family.

NEW IN THIS WEEK!

2010-03-27T13:34:00.001Z

After what seems to have been a long jewellery drought, this week we've seen lots of new jewels shimmering in the cabinets of ruby blue once again.

Below is a small selection of the new brooches, a nice accessory to make your clothes even more beautiful.

Below are two of my favourite new necklaces that now reside in the alluring jewellery cabinet.

The Glass one is a real treat, what i love about it is how heavy it is, the photograph really doesn't do it justice, the same to be said about the completely stunning silver and diamonte ditty, perfect for a special occasion, whap on that LBD and dazzle everyone with your pretty neck.

[Much more new jewellery in stock now!]

What a treat these 1940s/1950s Compact Mirrors are.

It's also been a while since we've had Compact Mirrors in stock, but a welcome return i think, especially the little doggies, cheeky little scamps that they are.

Make your friends jealous and powder your nose in style when you're out and about this weekend.

[Plus the powdery make-up smells like an ultimate dream].

A Gift For You

2010-03-25T10:54:00.001Z

For a while now on every 'to do' list i've written the words 'make new gift cards' have made an appearance... until now those words have been ignored.

Gift cards are usually seen as being the easy way out or last minute gift ideas, however with these smashing cards who wouldn't want to receive a ruby blue gift card?

Easter Preparations and Decorations

2010-03-24T12:19:00.000Z

As Easter approaches look what hopped into the ruby blue window... what cute little scamps these little bunnies are, their teeny bow ties are completely spiffy.

More Easter treats to follow over the next few days. x

Greetings

2010-03-19T17:31:00.001Z

Email, text, facebook etc etc.... technology is taking away all personality when getting in touch with people.

I'm a true believer in mail being the nicest way to contact loved ones and letting them know you're thinking of them. The whole process of buying/making the card, writing in it, licking the envelope, writing on the address, sticking on the stamp and dropping it into the mail box is a labour of love and will never be beaten by the boring contemporary contacting methods.

The charming cards above are sure to brighten up anyone's mail pile.

Do the right thing and make someone smile this weekend.

NEW IN THIS WEEK!

2010-03-18T14:01:00.001Z

A few little mid week beauts for you. The summery coloured luggage is a real treat and perfect for the changing seasons. Buy the luggage, book your holiday, WINNER x

TV and Tea

2010-03-13T14:48:00.000Z

Forever treated by the wonderful and generous customers of ruby blue, today saw a 1970s TV falling onto my lap; which resulted in the rest of my day looking something like this.

Have a lovely weekend, don't forget to treat that mother of yours :) x

Why I Oughta!

2010-03-09T16:00:00.000Z

So i arrived at the shop this morning to find that some skanky menace has stolen the pretty bunting that miss ruby wore so well :(

Thieves make me vomit.

Back to the sewing machine for mother and i.

8 Year Old Saturday Staff

2010-03-06T14:55:00.001Z

That Way

2010-03-04T14:12:00.000Z

A little thursday morning painting project. I think it looks pretty swell :)

This little ditty will be a nice partner to it's parent signs when i finally get round to painting them. Still working on the design and sorting out materials etc, but watch this space.

Spring Clean

2010-03-02T13:45:00.000Z

With the arrival of a little bit of new stock and hopefully some better weather, ruby blue got a spring clean and is now boasting a proud smile once again.

Take a little tour below (terrible quality pictures as usual, but all the more reason to come and visit and let your little peepers run riot)

Umbrella Head

2010-03-02T13:38:00.000Z

Umbrella Head is the newest addition to the ruby blue family, i'm not going to say too much about these works and just let them speak for themselves.

All i will say is, "hurry up and purchase before i keep everything."

Click here for a closer look at all the products for sale and learn more about this infinitely talented young gent.

Welcome Umbrella Head, you're welcome to stay as long as you wish :)

Pretty Blooms

2010-03-02T13:32:00.000Z

Mummy, you are as pretty as a flower in a tea cup.

The perfect budget Mother's Day gift for your delightful mother or grandmother.