As some of you already know, we have now switched to a main domain site rather than a WordPress blog, so you may see some exciting changes on The Kats Paws, starting with us becoming http://www.thekatspaws.com!
Our first post on the new and improved blog was an obvious choice for me, as we have recently been sent some gorgeous bracelets courtesy of Annie Haak Designs.
These bracelets have been worn by celebrities such as Dannii Minogue and, one of the best dressed there is, Fearne Cotton, therefore what’s good enough for fashion royalty is good enough for The Kats Paws!
DESIGNER
Annie gets much of the inspiration for her designs from island of Bali where she is based for most of the year. Her influences are gathered from many aspects of Bali life from the local flora and fauna, the magical people and the colours and patterns found in the local markets and villages.
Each design is intended to carry a special meaning by way of mantras or symbols that represent luck, love, protection strength and well-being. It is core to Annie’s design ethos that all her designs should carry a message of either love or support.
THE PACKAGING
I always feel that really good packaging adds a certain excitement to unwrapping whatever gem lies underneath, and this certainly did not disappoint!
Each item comes in a rich purple coloured box branded with the Annie Haak logo, and wrapped up in a gorgeous pink bow, which is the most inviting packaging I’ve ever recieved jewellery in. I’m massive fan of Pandora, and love the white boxes they come in as they feel special because you know what’s inside, whereas the Annie Haak boxes alone are special and something I keep various jewellery in that don’t look out of place sat on my dresser.
Inside the box is an organza pouch in the same royal purple colouring, tied with the same pink ribbon, sat on a bed of lime green tissue which shouldn’t work, but the contrast is striking, bright and compliment each other beautifully.
THE BRACELETS
Kathryn and I each chose a selection of the gorgeous bracelets, which was an extremely tough decision as every single one is absolutely beautiful. The variety of designs are brilliant and each bracelet comes with a choice, which look lovely on their own or stacked together.
We both loved the Santeenie bracelets, which are simple, silver, beaded bracelets which come in different varieties with a choice of charms.
I chose a bracelet with two heart charms on- an open heart and a heart embossed with the statement Annie Haak brand. This is simple and looks lovely on it’s own or with other bracelets stacked on your wrist. I wear it with my Pandora bracelet and they look lovely together, although I prefer to wear it alone as it’s such a beautiful design it deserves it’s own limelight.
Kathryn chose Santeenie bracelets with two charms- a K initial and a Guardian Angel, which is one of Annie Haak’s signature charms. Both these are equally as gorgeous, delicate and sparkly, and look more expensive than they are!
I also chose a Biji Bracelet, which is a beautiful Bali inspired Biji bracelets with round and bean shaped sterling silver beads (Biji is Indonesian for bean).
I love the shape of these beads as they are something different to anything I’ve seen before and really unique.
These bracelets come with a choice of silver mantra heart charms featuring a variety of words and phrases.
I know it may sound corny, but I love quotes about following your dreams and am a firm believer that if you can dream it, you can achieve it. You only have one life and you should live it to the maximum, doing whatever you want to do and having no regrets.
Therefore, the mantra ‘Dream Believe Achieve’ was perfect and I absolutely love wearing it, both alone and with my other Annie Haak design.
Kathryn chose a Whole Lot Of Sparkle bracelet. Although there were many gorgeous colours to choose from for the Silver Whole Lot Of Sparkle bracelet, she chose Mint because it is one of her absolute favourite colours ever.
Kathryn said: I love all shades of blues and greens, maybe it’s the Piscean in me, but the colours seem to suit me too which is also a bonus.
It also looks really pretty with either gold or silver and so is great for mixing and matching, which the Annie Haak bracelets are so much fun for doing. It is also a great colour for any season and the beads on this bracelet are faceted and so they have a stunning sparkle to them.
I added the chain tassel charm as I just simply couldn’t resist the gorgeousness of it, and I think the whole thing is absolutely perfect.
Overall, these bracelets are perfect in every way; sparkly, dainty, excellent quality, fashionable and classic.
They would be perfect as a gift, especially for Valentine’s Day which is fast approaching. These beauties need printing out and placing strategically around your house as subtle hints towards the perfect ‘surprise’! They’d also be fantastic as Mother’s Day presents- I’m planning on getting my mum one as she loves a bit of sparkle!
Prices vary and start at £29, but there a few items in the sale at the minute too, so snap up a bargain quickly!
Annie Haak also designs necklaces and rings which are equally gorgeous!
Visit http://www.anniehaakdesigns.co.uk for the full range!
I absolutely love this brand, and will definitely purchasing more of the range soon!
Love,
Emily xxx