Has Spring finally arrived ? It certainly feels like it here in Hockley today. It's also the time of year when thoughts turn to special occasions such as weddings and proms.

In the last 10 years the American style prom has become increasingly popular in the UK.
The humble school disco is almost a thing of the past, with an estimated 85% of UK secondary schools now holding a prom during June or July, the majority for 15- and 16-year-olds after their GCSEs.
Of course it is still a big part of the year for University students as they attend end of year Summer balls.

And a large part of this is finding the perfect dress for the occasion!

At Dezigne we now stock a collection of gorgeous prom dresses and evening gowns by a fantastic Nottingham Designer. Many are hand-beaded,the styles are short and cute, body hugging and classic. The designs are exclusive and the dresses made to order - there is a wide colour range and designs can be altered to a customer's particular requirements.
We can arrange private appointments at the shop where customers can try our selection of dresses on in a relaxed atmosphere.

We are also loving this short party dress - it has a lovely embroidered detail on the bodice and a fun and flirty flared chiffon skirt. This is also available in different colours/shades.The prom season is nearly here so why not drop in and have a look at what's in store? 

It was really quite sad that a new Poundworld store opened this week in a premium retail space in Nottingham City Centre. The city already has 6 pound stores -do we really need another?
Don't get me wrong, pound stores are great for buying basics such as toilet rolls and cleaning supplies but surely enough is enough.

On a far more positive note we visited the Christmas Market at Derby Roundhouse and it was absolutely packed - both with visitors and stalls.
This is the event's fifth year and it has certainly grown from three years ago when I went. There are far more exhibitors (about 100) and it has obviously built up a great reputation in the area.
The event is organised by Fabulous Places which seeks out and promotes independent  shops, cafes and makers.
It's great to see that handmade and artisan produce is very much appreciated by the shopping public. 
Outside the venue there was a food market and inside a great variety of cakes, artisan breads, locally brewed beers and cheese suppliers as well as jewellery, ceramics, glassware, Christmas decorations, etc.

We didn't get to see everything as the place was so crowded - thankfully not everyone wants to go to Primark and Poundland ! It helps to validate what we are trying to achieve at Dezigne - there is a market place for unique, handmade, good quality products - made locally!

I am now slightly addicted to making bead embroidered cuff bracelets and now have two more available on the Dezigne online shop.

Abstract design hand embroidered in black, gold, silver, copper and diamante

 Hand embroidered cuff in gold, bronze and pewter with swirl design.

Both bracelets have a suede lining and an elastic piece instead of a clasp so that they will fit almost any size wrist. They are comfortable to wear and strong, although I wouldn't recommend getting them wet!