Karma and Cupcakes

Simple Style Solutions: Spring fashion

2012-01-11T12:24:00.001-08:00

There's a growing warmth in the air that reminds me spring is on the way.

I was out in the garden today clearing the leaves from the pond, raking the browned detritus left over from the winter and noticed the beginnings of shoots coming through the soil. Bulbs planted in the long-forgotten days before Christmas presents. It's such an exciting time of year, change is on the way. And I can't wait.

I bought a Gap white shirt last week in the sale. I have it in mind to wear with skinny jeans, chunky brass bangles [an heirloom passed down from a loving relative], flat pumps [no tights!], and a lovely bright fifties style skirt that I have never found the right outfit for. All these looks are of course not right for the drizzly cold we still have here in England, but from the hint in the air I'm sure it won't be too long.

So I had a little lift in my spirits when I spotted a few labels beginning to show their spring collections - not many mind. Most brands are still flogging the unwanted left-overs of winter, all fake furs, too-tight dresses and dodgy tweeds that never quite made the grade.

Every season I come back to the outfitting in J Crew. It always looks fresh, modern and playful without resorting to fashion over-kill or hipster cliches. Jenna Lyon's [the creative director at J crew] style epitomises easy elegance and it just feels right for me. I still haven't quite found a British brand that matches this, but if you have any tips let me know. Perhaps Reiss is a contender? There is the odd piece I find in Boden, a well tailored jacket or cute capri, but it just doesn't have the same easy cool.

Gap too always hits the right note for me. Great cut on the jeans and trousers, and relaxed separates that work with most things in my wardrobe.

Any new collections caught your eye?

J Crew

Gap

Home office organising

2011-12-30T07:05:00.000-08:00

I have plans for 2012. Not grand plans, but a small business idea I would like to begin slowly developing, and so I felt the urge to get my home office in order.

As with a lot of things in life it's necessary to make space for new things, and it's such a therapeutic process for the mind and spirit. If your environment is tidy you feel more in control of your life.

I looked for a little lite-inspiration on pinterest as usual and came up with some beautiful, bright, clean office spaces. For a working space at home it's important for me to have visual inspiration, lots of creative storage solutions and colour.

In all these examples I loved the mixture of personality, function and organisation that gave them all such unique style; like the signature Hermes orange in the first, with the graphic framed photos and industrial steel desk, juxtaposed with the distinctly feminine flowers.

Images from Domino magazine photo-stream and apartment.therapy via pinterest.

As I didn't have any money to spend on accessories I cleared some of the clutter and turned some of the storage boxes around so the files appeared tidier, I also covered the printer with an old cardboard storage box [cutting a suitable hole for the power lead], to hide the printer and give me more useful surface space.

I added more inspiration space with the addition of a picture-line [a bit like a washing line but with space to hang pictures rather than pants : D ].

The finishing touch was some accents of bright colour from some stationary tidies from TK Maxx, really cheap but a great way to add a bold splash of colour.

Do you have any organising tricks and tips? I feel better able to tackle my new project - wish me luck!

x

Before

After

Merry Christmas

2011-12-22T13:20:00.001-08:00

It has been a busy few months, but one of my resolutions for the new year will be to begin blogging again - hope to see you then!

x

Handwritten sample sale

2011-11-29T05:57:00.001-08:00

I miss sample sales! I don't mind admitting that one of the many advantages of my previous job was access to amazing sample sales of fabulous fashion booty. Of course this was also one of the many dichotomies too - we were peddling a designer lifestyle that we actually couldn't afford unless it was heavily subsidised by the designers themselves.

If you can find out when the sample sales are - they are a great way of getting beautiful clothes at discounted prices.

This looks like a great one this weekend:

Handwritten by Tanya Sarne is having a sample sale starting this Friday till Sunday. The collection is a firm favourite at Liberty and has 220 stockists worldwide. Tanya created GHOST and Handwritten is her new collection. www.handwrittenuk.com
The sale will feature Handwritten’s most recent and past stunning collections including dresses, jumpers, cardigans, jackets, knits, leather and accessories.

1-3 Middle Row
London
W10 5AT

2nd – 4th December 11am – 7pm.

Not running but almost...

2011-11-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

After a far-too-long absence I'm back blogging. I'm sorry I've been away for so long!

I remember blogging a while ago about feeling torn between the real world and the on-line world, so you can imagine where my energies have been focused the last 2 months.

I've actually begun doing a little bit of free-lance work again after almost 4 years of 'maternity leave'. I also edited the winter edition of a free-magazine with some local friends. You can have a look at the new issue here if you're interested: http://issuu.com/chatterboxsheffield/docs/winter2011_pdf1_. This took a huge amount of time and energy as we have also been involved with some charity fund-raising for a local children's hospice: http://www.bluebellwood.org/.

The upshot of all this has been that my blog has suffered and as any person living and working today - I just wish there were more hours in the day as I've missed it.

One thing I have managed to make time for over the last few months is exercise. I have always said 'I'm not a runner'. People who went running were committed, serious and had time that I always felt I didn't have, but after running a 5k in June and then my first 10k in October I'm finally coming around to the idea that I can find some enjoyment and escape in running.

A good friend has recently begun a battle with breast-cancer. She is dealing with it so bravely and with such humour and honesty, but her battle has compounded my thoughts that we should never take our health for granted. Some mornings it is so difficult to pull on my sweats and step outside the door into the cold, grey morning, but it is one of the many things in life you never regret doing - just regret not doing.

Exercise has given me more energy to deal with the day and changed my figure after having a child and enjoying cakes far too much, so I think I will carry on - afterall it only takes a half an hour in the morning, who can't manage that?!

Cushion love!

2011-09-19T12:41:00.000-07:00

After my last post, I realised I'd missed out one of my great collections; cushions.

Now my other-half struggles with this one too [as you can tell we don't see eye to eye on alot of things!]. He doesn't see the aesthetic or actual comfort appeal of another over-stuffed cushion on the sofa / bed, but I just think - well, you can't have too much of a good thing, right?!

A cushion is a really cheap, easy way of adding a new colour accent to a room, it creates more warmth, comfort and in the right fabric, glamour!

My latest find was a bargain from TK Maxx but like alot of my TK-finds looks alot more expensive. The yellow accent picks up on my new yellow chair, and the purple references the coloured light fitting in the room.

This picture from Pottery Barn shows just how clashing coloured cushions can create a really striking effect in a room.

So I thought I'd share some of my favourite cushions - some are affordable, and some are pure fantasy, but they would all make a really striking statement in a room!

Clare Nicolson for notonthehighstreet.com

Ben de Lisi for Debenhams, £23

Lizzie Allen black cabs cushion at Liberty, £79

Marrimekko at Heals, £55

Alice Temperley for The Rug Company, £495 [yes really! For a cushion - I know!]

Pinterest and scrapbooking

2011-09-19T08:40:00.000-07:00

I am a prodigious collector. Magazines, coffee table books, recipes, pictures of pretty houses, glassware, vintage kitchenalia the list is endless. In particular I'm a scrapbooker, any pages from style and fashion magazines that I find inspiring get stuffed into a small white drawer to be eventually glued into a scrapbook. What I will ever do with all these bits of paper I'm still not sure.

Pinterest is the on-line equivalent of a pinboard [you can see the link to my boards down the right hand column of my blog]. I can now collect images on my pinterest board in exactly the same way that I stuff the tear sheets from my magazines into my drawer, only it feels much more organised [and is out of sight of my other-half - thank goodness!].

It can become incredibly addictive as you follow other people's boards and try to keep yours up-to-date. I've also discovered a new love of DIY and kids crafting thanks to some of the people I'm following, who have the cutest ideas and links to share.

If you're waiting for an invite let me know as I had to get my invitation through the lovely Tesca of the brilliant blog Casa and Co.

Here are some of my recent favourite pins:

I pin lots of great interiors ideas, details, moods or colours I love. I thought this art work was just beautiful with the modern style furniture very simple, but very pretty. Pinned from LONNY mag.

Quirky vintage inspired ideas always catch my eye. This is such a simple idea but so effective, those soft pastel, ice-cream shades look perfect together. Pinned from cupcakesandcashmere.com.

Our latest project with the house is a new bathroom, so I'm loving collecting lots of inspiration for new suites, tiles and cute details. Pinned from moredesignplease.com.

Of course I have lots of fashion and style pinboards, including work by some of my old colleagues and friends. This picture was by William Garrett for Red magazine. Love. x

Noah's story corner

2011-09-14T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am a great fan of reinvention - I think everything can be reworked and recycled for a new or different purpose. Of course I'm also referring to myself! My new life has taken a little getting used to, but I think it fits me quite well now.

So I was very pleased with my old nursing chair that I recently had recovered. It is very expensive getting furniture reupholstered professionally, but I think the results are worth it. I stupidly forgot to take a picture of the chair before so you'll have to imagine a very shabby faded grey floral fabric looking very worn in places. I'm sure Rachel Ashwell would have loved it as it was, but I wanted a statement piece for the living room, something a little more striking and bold, so went with the yellow and smoky grey piping.

I was inspired by the living room of J Crew creative director Jenna Lyons, whose home has been featured in all the stylish interiors magazines and blogs, like Domino and Living Etc. Her gorgeous butter yellow sofa looks really striking against the cool grey walls of her sitting room.

Pictures from aphrochic

The new chair sits well in Noah's little reading corner and is just the right height for him [and Woody!].

Stylish thrifting: Bootsale bargains

2011-08-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

I've written about my addiction for bargain hunting before. There's nothing more satisfying than routing through a charity shop, car boot sale or flea market and discovering something pretty, useful or [finger's crossed] actually worth real money!

It's rare to find something special and worth money, although last year I discovered an original water colour painting by a celebrated Yorkshire artist - it was signed and I quickly googled his name on my phone and found out it's value before I bought it for £5. I sold it later in the week on ebay for £50 [even the buyer got a real bargain!].

So I thought it would be fun to share some of my finds, and offer a few little tips to get the most from a Sunday morning outing.

Today's bargains weren't quite as exciting as the watercolour, but fun none-the-less.

The Beatrix Potter books were 25p each - Noah has a little collection that is expanding slowly. The Cath Kidston book is brand new, never opened and was £3. The Romo fabric is from the latest collection, it was an end of roll from a local interior designers and would retail for £45 per metre. The small section, enough to make a cushion, was just 20p.

The beautiful Donna Hay recipe book was 50p, and the vintage jelly mould was £1.

A small selection of Gap and H&M clothes for Noah were 50p each.

Tips:

Get to any yard sale or boot sale early to find the best things. But avoid rummaging while people are setting up, it's frustrating for them and for you.
Always take change and small amounts of notes, hopefully you will be spending pennies rather than pounds.
Look for boot sales and table top sales in the best areas in your local paper. Schools often have fund-raising sales, and it may seem obvious but the better the area the better the things that are going to be on sale [the same rule applies to charity shops].
take plenty of bags for carrying your items home.
If possible go without your kids or pets in tow, they will distract you, and will constantly be asking if you can buy them the Thomas Tank/Ben 10/ vintage weapons[kidding!].
Always take measurements of items you may be looking for with you - it's possible to find blinds / curtain poles / rugs etc. but unless you know your area you'll be throwing money away.
Be prepared to look under stalls and in boxes to find hidden gems.
Beware of walking away if you really want an item - chances are it won't be there when you come back.
With clothing, look for quality brands and fabrics and don't be afraid to haggle if you buy multiple items. The best clothing to look for if you're a parent is for your kids, as children grow so fast, chances are winter coats, summer shorts, smart shirts etc. will only have been worn for a few months before they grow out of them.
Don't be afraid to look at the sellers, chances are if you find someone who looks like your kind of person they will have similar taste.

Life is sweet

2011-08-27T10:50:00.001-07:00

Designers at Debenhams inspiration

2011-08-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

Our home is a very neutral space. White has always featured as a backdrop for our collection of things, but recently I've been craving more colour in our house.

The Designers at Debenhams range seems to be getting stronger each season and I particularly love the home selection in store at the moment, it includes really vibrant and quirky bedding, cushions, ceramics and glassware that all has a really nice luxury quality.

Here are some of my favourite pieces from the Matthew Williamson and Ben de Lisi collections, but it's definitely worth having a look at the website as there is a sale going on at the moment.

Bedspread, £112.00 in sale

Cushion, £20.00 in the sale

Bird candlestick, £18.50

Mug, £6.00

Pompom cushion, £22.00

Ella dog mug, £6.00

Noah cushion, £30.00

Chatsworth gardens - inspiration

2011-08-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

Noah and I spent a lovely day at Chatsworth House with friends today. Noah chased around the maze, and dug in the sandpit in the children's play park while I took in as much inspiration as I could from the incredible gardens.

I am trying my hand for the first time at gardening, with very mixed results. This year I tried the low-maintenance approach and threw lots of wild flower seeds on the muddy earth. Some of the seeds took and have given us some beautiful displays of pretty colour, whilst others ended up in a brown-tinged, tangled mess [although the bees loved them regardless!]. I also bought lots of smaller plants from the regular boot-sales we go to, again with mixed results. A honey-suckle that I planted near the bottom of the garden has withered, while the lavenders I bought for a couple of pounds seem to be doing really well in the pots to the front.

And so I'm hoping next year to have a more planned approach, and to try my hand at some edibles. Any tips for growing in the cooler North of England would be greatly appreciated. We have created a new seating area after demolishing an over-sized out-house, and I've enjoyed making up some new pots to fill the area with colour next spring.

Gardening is a very alien thing for me in as far as I'm used to making, doing and creating things with immediate results. My photography, blogging, design and styling are all activities that you can get immediate pleasure from - they are all equally visual, but you don't have to wait for the rewards. So now I am learning the art of waiting [ironic as Noah is having to learn the same skill at the same time]. A beautiful, well-structured garden takes years, sometimes decades of nurturing and careful planning which can be incredibly frustrating, but all the more satisfying for the wait - not a bad life-lesson to learn for no money!

For anyone interested in these pictures, they are achieved with my ipod and an app called instagram. It is really good fun and has lots of different vintage photography effects that you can try out. They really remind me of going through my Mum and Dad's old box of photographs in the lost - something we'll really miss when it's gone - it's not quite the same with digital.

Wish list: white tuxe jacket and gold pendant

2011-08-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

I've just about recovered from the trauma of photographing myself for the last post! Still not too happy with the pictures but my philosophy with this blog is to present to my friends and readers a much more realistic take on style from other mediums that we all read and love.

Since my last post, and after going through my wardrobe to pick out those pieces for the evening looks I've added a couple of things to my 'wish list'.

The first is a simple gold pendant with letters or a symbol that mean something. A good friend came over last night for a cup of tea and a gossip and was bemoaning how expensive these kind of charms are, I showed her some the shops on Etsy that stock exactly the same thing for around $20 or $30 [more Etsy - I know!], but I can really recommend buying from the US at the moment as the exchange rate really works in our favour here in the UK.

The pendant I've show below is from a designer in Vancouver called Leslie for just $19. Similar designs somewhere like Liberty are so much more expensive.

The next item on my wish list is a really simple, elegant white tuxe jacket - I realise this is not the most practical item with a toddler, but I've seen a couple of cool gals wearing them out, in the evening, in particular, and think they look really elegant, grown-up, but also a little bit edgy if that makes sense?! There's a confidence with this kind of piece that is the epitomy of that 'not-trying-too-hard-look'.

This jacket is a great version from Mango at Asos for £79.90, not a bad price.

Now, don't get me wrong the irony of these two pieces is also not lost on me - a little bit Julio Iglesias in the 80s right? Maybe Don Johnson in Miami Vice? But ladies it's the way you wear it, make sure that jacket is slim on the shoulders and drapes really nicely over your boobs, and the gold charm needs to hang on the thinnest whisper of a chain - as my friend Kat said last night - it should look like it could blow away.

What are your favourite wardrobe additions at the moment?

Simple style notebook: 3 evening outfits

2011-08-13T07:32:00.001-07:00

OK - here goes - I'm taking a very deep breath and hoping all my fashionable friends will be very kind to me!

I've recently been reading lots of gorgeous fashion blogs - some of my favourites are:
Garance Dore, the glamourai, Cocorosa and Wish Wish Wish. Most of the fashion bloggers out there are taking their own pictures - which is just brilliant aswell as styling, hair, make-up etc.

So I was inspired to try it myself and I have to say I have the hugest respect for all those incredible bloggers - because it is hard. Let me know what you think of the results? I thought I would do a follow-up from my last few fashion posts, and show you 3 of my really simple evening outfits.

The first one is monochrome so would work well with some bright accessories - the trousers are a heavy cotton cargo style so more relaxed than the sequined top. I absolutely love this top as it works for day or evening brilliantly - I found it on the end-of-line rail in the Jaeger outlet because some of the sequins were missing so was very cheap compared to the RRP.

The second look was one that I worked out recently when I was stuck for something to wear on a night out - sure you've been there! I noticed my husband's dress shirt hanging in the wardrobe and he doesn't wear it very often, but I love that oversize shirt look on girls and with the high waisted jeans and some glam earrings it looks modern.

Looking at it now - I'm not so happy with the shoes - but you know we all have evenings like that don't we, when you're wearing something and you just don't feel quiet right! Our style evolves and changes as we age and our experience and circumstances change and it's about figuring out what works for us now.

The last look is an easy outfit too, I've reached the age where comfort is a big factor whether I'm going out for the evening or spending a day on my feet chasing after Noah! The maxi skirt is such a versatile piece that you can wear much like a pair of trousers, dress it up as here with a jacket and gold flats for evening or with a t-shirt and canvas pumps for day.

So there you go, my first effort after 4 years out of the business of my own fashion editorial. Hope you liked it.

That Friday feeling

2011-08-12T10:32:00.001-07:00

It has been a strange week with the news in the UK dominated by images of people rioting in the streets, looting shops, and setting fire to people's homes indescriminately. So the country is letting out a little sigh of relief that for the moment the streets seem quiet.

Our house is very quiet too as my 2 year old, Noah, has gone to visit his Nan and Grandpa leaving me to clean the house, blog, take pictures and well...drink wine probably!

So my Friday evening is starting with a custard slice and a glass of wine - roll on the weekend.

I hope you have a lovely weekend whatever you're up to.

Renovation update

2011-08-12T10:03:00.001-07:00

I recently posted some pictures of our home renovation on the Living Etc forum. I've had a great response from people asking where I bought things from and generally saying lovely things about our house.

You can see the images on this link:
https://livingetc.ipcmediasecure.com/forums/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/105410/an/0/page/0#105410

One of my favourite pasttimes is reading my new copy of Living Etc when it comes through my post box. I've been known to have chronic house-envy at some of the beautiful, modern houses, especially those open plan, airy spaces in Australia and the West Coast of America. I love the idea of spending lots of time outside and having a home that connects the outside and the inside seamlessly. Our home was never going to be that kind of space but I think we've made the best of what our house does offer and created a much lighter, open feel.

So I realised that I hadn't shown what the house looks like from the outside - so here is the before and after. What do you think?
x

Trying to make sense

2011-08-09T11:58:00.001-07:00

Listening to the news today has been very difficult. I've been trying to make sense of something that is essentially senseless. Violence and greed have erupted around the country and there is a very real sense of fear as to what will happen tonight.

So I have switched the news off, and baked and tidied the garden instead. Worked out my frustration on the pastry and the weeds! What a tonic.

Wherever you are tonight I hope you are safe and cosied up with your loved ones.

Sad news in London tonight

2011-08-08T12:34:00.000-07:00

Image from carolinemcgrath.co.uk of the Maria Dahlgren London tea towel.

I spent 10 years living in London and I loved it. It was vibrant, always exciting, creative, and inspiring. So I was so saddened by the news this evening that the city is being targeted by a minority of looters. Tearing into the city they are setting fire to streets where people live and work. I'm sending my love and thoughts out to all of my friends in the city tonight. x

Fashion crush - No. 21 by Alessandro Dell'Acqua

2011-08-08T06:54:00.001-07:00

All pictures from style.com

I have a new fashion crush - No. 21 by the designer Alessandro Dell'Acqua. His new Resort 2012 collection epitomises that effortless style I was blogging about last week [although with a much higher price tag I'm sure!].

I love the wide leg pant suit - I've been sporting my Gap flares this summer - the mix of neutral camel tones with bright jewel colours like the greens and sapphire blue, the slouchy v-neck over
cropped trousers. And those simple skinny belt details over the cardi and fitted jacket. These are all elements that we can try at home right?! The first look of the black cardi over pencil skirt is such a simple look to recreate, but is all about that slim fit.

Like I was saying last week, be a little bolder when you're putting your outfits together. The emerald green t-shirt with the lacy skirt looks really modern but how simple! Pay attention to proportions so shorter skirts go with a more covered up top like a t-shirt, an over-sized sweater goes well with cropped trousers, and that skinny, shrunken jacket looks fab with a wide leg trouser - try to think in terms of opposites. There is a certain confidence that comes with mixing strong elements in an outfit: a rock T with a smart trouser suit; a pretty feminine dress with a leather jacket; a sequined top with a relaxed cargo pant.

Lovely things...

2011-08-07T12:46:00.001-07:00

Ok, just to confuse matters as I've been blogging on about not shopping and resisting temptation here I am with more lovely things to buy, or look at, or covet, well whatever you think - here are some pretty things that you can buy on-line...enjoy!

1. Jonathon Adler star sign cushion, £70, Supernice.co.uk

2. A5 recycled leather notebook, £20, undercoveruk.com

3. LSA teal glass vase, £62, heals.co.uk

4. Tivoli poster, £18.95, husandhem.co.uk

5. Limited edition handsoap, £16.50, Red Direct.co.uk

6. Handmade tea light, £19, whippetgrey.co.uk

Retail therapy - with a difference...

2011-08-07T07:07:00.001-07:00

We are home again from our holiday. It is a strange pleasure to return to your own home after a break. The familiar smells, the reassuring order and comforts of the everyday. Odd how going away makes you appreciate what you have.

I had a postscript to add to last week's post. It is a kind of therapy for today, a practice that I think we should all try to remember.

I wrote last week about stylish thrifting and I still believe that we don't need to spend a fortune to look good or have a beautiful home. It takes alot more time and effort but I think the rewards are worth it, but there is another side to stylish living that I think is as important. My personal antidote to the modern consumer world is to realise that the world is full of infinite temptation. For me it is the classic Chanel flap bag, a pair of Tory Burch pumps, the Stella McCartney trousers and Isabel Marant jacket. I'm sure you have a similar wish-list if money were no object?

The point is that there will always be things that are beautiful, covetable and just out of reach. The list is infinite. And that is just the point - in the modern world of consumer craving there is never enough, so I accept that I can live without the dress, trousers, pumps, bag etc. because after all, even after I have bought those things there will always be more, the craving will never be satisfied so I simply choose not to. I realise that this philosophy is pretty extreme and is certainly not going to get the economy back on its feet, but it is trying to apply my yogic acceptance to the modern world.

I still love looking at lovely objects, fashion, and interiors, all those things I always loved and appreciated and I will always blog about them, but now I don't feel the same temptation to open my wallet. I do have a perceptible cringe when I read a magazine and it suggests that a pair of £650 Rupert Sanderson shoes are 'worth a splurge', afterall how many of us in the real world would agree? But I can also accept that magazines sell us a fantasy and we can choose not to buy into it.

Stylish thrifting

2011-08-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying another short break on the English coast [I know!]. This time we are in Scarborough, a quintessentially British seaside resort, all cream cakes, donkey rides and predictably wet weather!

I wanted to make a start on a post that I've had in mind for a while now. Many of you will have already read my thoughts on thrifting and second-hand shopping, but this is a kind of manifesto to bear in mind.

My previous life as a fashion editor on women's magazines was thrilling, but even then I never really bought into the high-fashion, high-spending life. Some of my colleagues would not blink an eye at spending £250 a season on the latest it-bag. I think my stoic Yorkshire-upbringing was too deep-rooted. I scoured second-hand markets and designer sample sales for things that I would fall in love with. London was the ideal place to find wonderful things and my position meant I could go to a Chanel [only invited once!], or a Jimmy Choo sample sale [yes I did!].

And so my suggestions on thrifting stylishly and well. This is not about looking like you buy second hand but looking chic and up-to-the-minute without breaking the bank. I believe it can be done.

1. The main principle is to take time. To find the good stuff you have to be prepared to rummage and go out of your way to find the right shops and markets. If you have a wedding or a party to go to at the weekend and you need an outfit now you'll struggle to find exactly what you're after in a hurry.

2. My other main point is to go through your current wardrobe and have a really good sort out. If you have the number of a really good tailor it is amazing what can be done with ill-fitting dresses, trousers and jackets. Things can practically be made new if given a little attention. Being frugal with fashion is about getting the most out of what you already own. As a stay-at-home Mum I no longer have the disposable income to spend on clothes that I used to so I have taken to rethinking what I already own. Dresses I normally wear in the evening can be layered over a long-sleeved t-shirt for day time with a pair of flat biker boots and tights in the winter or vest top and flip flops in the summer. Smart work jackets look great over rolled up chinos and a stripy T shirt. A relaxed denim jacket makes a maxi skirt and vest look effortless.

3. Which brings me to another point, always think timeless and effortless when looking for clothes. Particularly after a certain age women should try to avoid anything that looks too trendy or try-hard. Eurrgghhh! I hear you moan. I don't want to preach about skirt lengths and bingo wings as I know some of the hippest gals who are over 40, but real style comes from not trying too hard - FACT.

4. I've written about it before and I'll keep writing about it: fabric, fabric, fabric. Particularly with second-hand clothes. The quality of the fabric is the main thing. If you're buying second-hand you should be looking for quality labels anyway, this is about finding the Sportmax coat at the same price as a Zara [think ebay or charity shops in the best areas!]. I once found a pair of Marni cotton twill trousers for £35 from a charity shop on Marylebone High Street [it can be done].

5. Don't be tempted to buy something just because it is cheap - I speak from experience. It should at least fit properly and be something that you love, although the first point can always be altered with the help of your tailor. Skirts and trousers can be shortened if they are too long, but tops are a little harder to make right so look for the correct size as much as possible.

6. T K Maxx in the UK is a source of many of my bargains. Some of the labels I've seen there include: Nicole Farhi, Missoni, Earl jeans, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Gharani Strok. This is where time and patience really does pay.

So here endeth the first lesson. I'm toying around with the idea of photographing some of my finds again, let me know what you think. Time to get back to the cream cakes...

Etsy - Pixie Pixels

2011-07-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

My Etsy obsession continues apace! I find it inspiring and exciting to see individuals being creative and selling their wares like a huge Greenwich-style market. My latest find is Pixie Pixels. She manages to combine my favourite things, graphic prints, bold colours, pretty design, with a little French inspiration to create really sweet and uplifting pictures.

I think these would look just gorgeous on a really chalky grey or blue wall in simple black or white frames. Very stylish!

Do you have a favourite Etsy shop?

Holiday style

2011-07-09T13:23:00.000-07:00

We've just had a week's holiday in Norfolk.

The English coast is famously rugged and wild, but our day on the beach felt like we could have been somewhere on the South of France. The sand was soft and the sky blue, Wells on the North Norfolk coast feels a little bit like a secret best kept to yourself!

So I was inspired to post some pretty holiday pieces that would be perfect for any get-away.

Anya Hindmarch Bag, £97 in the sale, Mywardrobe.com

Hoop earrings, £20, Banana Republic

Trilby, £18, French Connection

Sandals, £25, Accessorize
Whistles sunglasses, £45, asos.com

Bikini, £49, Reiss

Maxi dress, £51 in the sale, French Connection

Crafting and creating with love...

2011-06-23T13:22:00.000-07:00

After yesterday's post I thought I'd show you a little of what I have been up to over the last few weeks. I've been doing alot of 'making', crafting and creating things for our house. In true 'bloke' style my other half thinks this is just more clutter that needs dusting!

The stone was picked up on our last holiday; the jam jars have simple ribbon and a heart button attached, and the print is abit of fun to remind us of our wedding day.

Apologies...

2011-06-21T11:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry to any readers who usually follow my musings. I've been a little MIA as the real world has taken over the last few weeks. I have taken on a new voluntary position editing a local magazine for Mums and will this week be completing my short photography course so have thrown myself head-long into these two past-times to the detriment of my blog.

It was something that we debated on the 'Blogging Your Way' course I did earlier this year and still confuses me a little - how to get the best balance between the on-line world and the real-world. For me, the real-world wins out everytime as Noah is growing so quickly and juggling his increasing demands and my list of 'extra-curricular-activities' keeps me plenty busy [that sounds alot more interesting than it actually is!!].

And so for the last few weeks I haven't really been keeping up with my favourite blogs or tweeting and tumblring as much as I should [thank goodness I'm still waiting for my pinterest invite!!].

So, all I can say is - sorry and here's a little gift from me to you as a little way of an apology - unfortunately you won't get the smell quite the same - it had just rained and the scent of all the roses was intoxicating.

Amy x

Our home

2011-05-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I posted on our new tiles in our kitchen and how they'd made such a difference to our pretty cheapo Ikea units.

So I thought it was about time I posted a few more pictures of our house since the renovation last year. I think part of the reason I've been so reluctant to put pictures up is that, as all projects go, ours is still a work in progress and the 1970s caramel bathroom suite is definitely testament to that. But, as my mother keeps reminding me, I'm not sure we'll ever really be fully-finished so here are a few of my favourite bits of our place!

In case you might be interested, the jars are Ikea, the jar labels are Dille and Kamille, the heart milk jug is Emma Bridgewater, and the toaster is Dualit.

The ceramic tiles are Rob Ryan, the cook books are Jamie Oliver, Donna Hay and Bill Granger.

Vintage vase, and candle holder by Emma Bridgewater again.

The Barcelona chair is a copy, the Roger Moore print was Getty Images, and the lamp was TK Maxx.

The blue glass wave vase was my Granma's and some of my favourite books.

The Italian advertising print was from our honeymoon in Italy, the lamp is very cheap Asda [!], the sofa is Laura Ashley, and the cushion from Designer's Guild, the small ceramic lamp was BHS.

A vintage Vogue cover with some pictures of my Granma Betty and her sister Beryl.

This our guest bedroom, the print is from the National Railway Museum, the anglepoise was £3 from a boot sale, and the bedside table was from a charity shop and I changed the handles.

Another cute vintage travel poster from the National Railway Museum.

The 60s mirror was a few pounds from a charity shop, the lamp was Red Direct, and the vintage perfume bottles are all Liberty.

My striped carpet runner and favourite bargain-find, my £8 reclaimed door, and Red Direct stripy dog.

A Rob Ryan card in an Ikea frame.

Laura Ashley and Designers Guild again, with a vintage foot stool with hand embroidered tapestry top.

Etsy illustrator Katie Daisy

2011-05-17T13:44:00.000-07:00

I've just spent a couple of hours blog-surfing. I usually do it when my husband is away on business as it is a very anti-social past-time! I click through from blog-link through to others to discover new and inspiring sites that I haven't found before, it's just amazing what is out there and I'll definitely be posting a few links in the future to some of my recent finds.

I wanted to share another great Etsy artist, Katie Daisy, who is in Asheville in the US. Her beautiful pictures are inspired by nature and bring whimsical touches and vivid colour together with modern design.

Beautiful - hope you like her work too. Let me know if you have any favourite Etsy shops.

Top Shop charm bracelets

2011-05-14T05:29:00.000-07:00

Had to post these as they are my recent purchase from Top Shop. Small, bright and simple, I love these great charm bracelets. I've seen similar styles on-line for alot more money so I think the more affordable version is such a great idea.

Vintage labels

2011-05-07T00:15:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago I posted a picture of a vintage-style lemonade bottle - I was inspired to find more vintage labels and last week got lucky at a car boot sale.

Boot sales are abit of an addiction of mine - some of my favourite things have been discovered after a good rummage. The best finds are from the lovely old ladies that are clearing out their attics, like my fab angle-poise lamp that I found for £3!

The bobbins and tea tin were from the boot sale, but the beautiful vintage perfume bottle was from Liberty and the wrapping paper was from Foyles.

The pictures were also inspired by my blogging teacher Leslie Shewring at A Creative Mint.

Open Up Sheffield

2011-04-30T09:22:00.000-07:00

I have very few regrets in life; putting my £200 pashmina shawl in the washing machine in a pregnancy-induced-hormonal-fog is somewhere on the top of my list. Another regret is not learning a craft or a skill, I look at artists and craftsmen who can create something tangible and feel very envious. Some of you may be thinking surely it's not too late, and I'm sure you'd be right!

So I was very excited to visit some real artists studios a couple of weeks ago at Open Up Sheffield. This is a brilliant event that promotes local artists and creates a more open approach to studios in our area. And how inspiring it was, the collection of artists at the Hangingwater studios included Lena Papapanagiotou, and Sophie Williamson whose bespoke jewellery is a lovely gift idea.

I also got to spend abit of time with an artist friend, Sam Groom. She is a brilliant printmaker, working with woodcut to create modern prints with a fun and light feel. She's developing her work into things like children's t-shirts which I think is a great touch as her work is so colourful and graphic.

Do you have any local events that are similar? I'd really like to hear about them.

The studios at Hangingwater:

Sophie Williamson's jewellery:

Printmaker Samantha Groom in her home and studio:

Garden inspiration at Burton Agnes

2011-04-25T06:12:00.000-07:00

We got back from a short holiday yesterday, we spent most of the time digging on the beach and finding the nearest farmyard for Noah to sit on a tractor, so a most successful trip!

One afternoon I managed to indulge my photography at the most beautiful gardens in Burton Agnes in North Yorkshire. The tulips were all in full bloom and it was so exciting to see the beautiful colours like jewels in the sunshine.

I thought I'd use my pictures as the inspiration for a little wedding inspired story as, ahem, there's a little wedding going on in England on Friday!

Hope you like it.

Paul and Joe maxi dress, £770, My Wardrobe.com

Milly fuscia shift dress, £421, My Wardrobe.com

Blooming bulbs dress, £128, Anthropologie

The perfect gift for the couple who has everything...

Orangerie floral cushion, £75, Designers Guild

Cream floral print dress, £38, Dorothy Perkins

Milly keyhole dress, £399, My Wardrobe.com

Yellow print dress, £26, Dorothy Perkins

Springtime

2011-04-17T13:00:00.000-07:00

Practicing my photography...on a beautiful day.

Beautiful spring finds from Graham and Green

2011-04-17T09:11:00.001-07:00

I'm definitely like a magpie with our home, I love anything bright or shiny and particularly something a little different or striking so the new spring collection from Graham and Green is right up my street.

Great quality furniture, mixed with unusual pieces like this birdcage light. Expensive but fun to get ideas from. And how beautiful is the bold print on the chair? I have a similar style nursing chair that I'm considering getting recovered and the catalogue has given me lots of great ideas.

The photography is so bright and sunny too, just lovely!

Bird cage light - £375

Chair - £495

Pine sideboard - £875

Hope this might have inspired you too, re-cover, restore and rummage for similar!

International inspiration from South Africa

2011-04-14T10:29:00.000-07:00

I was lucky to spend lots of time in Cape Town while I was working as a stylist. We were dutifully picked up at the airport, taken to a lovely part of Cape Town where we would spend several days shooting in the most breathtaking locations. It was a really special time and I have really fond memories of South Africa.

It is a country of such extremes and such diversity, but what always struck me was the passionate creativity and warmth of the people. From bookshops that specialised in coffee table books, to antique shops that displayed amazing European and African artefacts beautifully together, vineyards with delis attached stocking wonderful local produce, and small boutique coffee shops that took their coffee making more seriously than any San Fran barista.

So when I saw this little coffee shop mentioned on the blog We-are-awsome I wanted to share it, just to remind myself of how inspiring and exciting a place South Africa was for me.

Wolves Cafe, Johannesburg.

Early summer fashion

2011-04-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

Last week in England we had a little taste of summer. It was so wonderful to feel the warmth in the air and the sun starting to breath colour into the garden, my bulbs are finally starting to flower.

So I began thinking of my summer clothes that are tucked away in my wardrobe; bright prints and cool cottons haven't been much use the last few months with the bitter winter we've had. So I thought I'd share some of pretty pieces that have caught my eye for when the weather is a little warmer.

Top Shop - Lily print blouse - £36

Gap - White boot fit jeans - £45.95

Ted Baker - toe post sandal - £80

Cabbages and Roses - classic basket - £16

J Crew at Net a Porter - box jacket - £233

Top Shop - Knitted stripe jumper - £38

French Connection - summer dress - £62

Hope this may give you a little food-for-thought. Think classic lines, simple shapes and natural fabrics for the perfect summer wardrobe whatever your budget.

Happy Friday

2011-04-08T09:08:00.000-07:00

No time to blog - there's sunshine to catch!

Artist: Stephanie Ryan

2011-04-07T07:52:00.000-07:00

Some days I lose myself on-line while Noah naps. There is so much inspiration and creativity if you follow the breadcrumbs from one site through to another.

I'm on Flickr, and came across Stephanie Ryan's work by chance. I love design that combines different influences to create something striking and unique with a strong voice, Stephanie's work is just like this. Her work is soft and beautiful, delicate brush strokes and calming hues, but they are life-affirming and tied into all that is pretty in nature.

It is work like Stephanie's that makes me want to create, paint, photograph, and inspire other people.

Ikea kitchen

2011-04-05T06:23:00.000-07:00

So here are the kitchen pictures that I mentioned yesterday - a little hasty but I wanted to be sure to get them up while the kitchen was still looking fresh!

We originally took the adjoining wall down between the kitchen and dining room last year, this made a huge difference opening up the scheme of the house and making the space alot more usable with a toddler.

We installed the free-standing Ikea units as an interim measure but have grown attached to the style of the kitchen and think it works well for us. The quality is not the best I have to confess and we are regularly gluing bits back onto the sink unit in particular, but it works for us.

The tiles were from The Yorkshire Tile Company and the shelving was on offer from Homebase, all pretty cheap and cheerful but I think the finished effect works well with the space.

Kitchen indulgence...

2011-04-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

Our kitchen has had a dramatic face-lift. Simple white tiles have transformed the room to something resembling a proper kitchen. On the next sunny day I'll be taking some pictures and showing off the change as we're so pleased with it. As with the rest of the house there are still bits to finish [we are waiting to find the right extractor hood for above the range], but otherwise it is just how I would wish it to be.

So indulge me for a moment if I have a little fantasy of all the lovely gadgets and gizmos that would complete my dream kitchen - just for fun!

Keith Brymer Jones Utensil Pot - £20 - Red Direct

Bianca Hall - Believe Limited Edition Print - £69 - Rockett St George

White board message clock - £39 - Rockett St George

Gaggia baby coffee maker - £209.95 - John Lewis

KitchenAid Artisan stand mixer - £429 - John Lewis

Rob Ryan tea towel - £10 - Red Direct

Cute hey? I'm not in a rush, although I might just treat myself to that tea towel!

Mother's Day wishes

2011-04-01T09:52:00.000-07:00

I've been spending too much time lately thinking about the 'what if's' as usual and not enough time enjoying the moment.

So here is a little reminder for me, and all my readers who are so busy being either a busy career woman / mum / wife / girlfriend / friend / daughter that they don't take enough time for themselves, it's a simple message but it always works to refocus my mind and bring me back to the present.

Happy mother's day for Sunday to Mums and women everywhere.

Decorate - Holly Becker and Joanna Copestick

2011-03-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

The bookshelves in our house are already groaning under the weight of beautiful interiors and photography books, but I might have to make room for some more which are just coming out. I love the feeling of buying a new book and turning each page to find new ideas and inspiration.

These 3 books are right up my street, full of uplifting interiors and fun ideas for our home. Emily Chalmers is a brilliant stylist who introduces fun, quirky touches of personality by mixing vintage pieces into modern homes.

Holly Becker is the brilliant editor of Decor8, one of the most popular design blogs [and my teacher for BYW!]. She has a brilliant eye for contemporary styling, and mixing different periods and influences to create interiors with a really individual feel, this will definitely be on my birthday wish-list.

Katherine Sorrell is an interiors writer and she suggests how to combine old with new, cheap with expensive to create a unique home full of flair.

Can't wait to get my copies! Have you read any of these yet?

Netheredge Farmers Market in Sheffield

2011-03-27T12:35:00.000-07:00

It was the spring market here in Sheffield today and although the sun wasn't shining there was so many beautiful flowers that you couldn't help but have a smile.

As always I was totally inspired by the creativity in the city and some of the great things that people are doing off their own back, here are just a few of my favourites and some of the gorgeous flowers that lifted my spirits on a pretty cold March day.

Lianne Mellor creates pretty, delicate fine bone china tea cups and saucers, cakestands and other homewares that are illustrated with her own quirky designs. It reminded me of Beatrix Potter but with a modern twist, just lovely!

Elegant Icing [elegant.icing@gmail.com] had the most incredible giant Easter Eggs each hand made and designed with bright colours and delicious icing - I wanted to eat the lot.

Nuada Accessories were really bright, and fun, and the bold colours were just perfect for this spring time.

And the Millthorpe nursery in Derbyshire always has a lovely selection of plants and decorative touches for the garden. Like little birdboxes painted in heritage colours, and wooden trugs that would look lovely in a vintage inspired garden.

Thank you Holly and Leslie

2011-03-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

4 weeks ago I began an on-line course about blogging. My husband was very cynical that I was sending my money off to a stranger in the internet stratosphere and didn't really understand what for.

Blogging Your Way has opened my eyes to a whole world of very talented women and inspiring blogs. Holly of Decor8 and Leslie of A Creative Mint have led the course through the world of blogging, photography and so much more that I never realised would be a part of the course. It has given me a renewed confidence in my work and a sense of achievement each week. I've been excited about what was going to be posted next and truth-be-told I feel little bit sad that the course has come to an end.

For those of you interested in blogging I would really recommend signing up to the next course details can be found on Holly's blog.

And so this is my little homage to the girls that have inspired me to be a better blogger and a better person, to not be afraid to try new things and jump in with both feet. It is a little photographic reflection on springtime and my days.

Thank you x

Beautiful Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-25T11:50:00.000-07:00

Such sad news this week that Liz Taylor has past away, she was such a legend and an original Hollywood beauty. I had to share this gorgeous framed print that I saw in John Lewis, it reminds us what an icon she was.

Vintage Home Sheffield

2011-03-17T09:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so lucky to have such great shopping on our doorstep, I'm never short of inspiration.

One shop in particular always catches my eye when I drive past - Vintage Home in Sheffield. Apparently it's become abit of a talking point locally too - with a dramatic mirror in the current window being a talking point at the local school gates!

Chris and Julie who own the shop have a brilliant eye for dressing the window with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture, striking artwork, and new nick-nacks that I can always see fitting into our house. The vintage furniture is well chosen and beautifully restored or updated with gorgeous Farrow and Ball colours.

Julie manages to cleverly mix both quirky and traditional English designers like Jan Constantine, and Fairmont and Main Pottery from West Yorkshire, with pretty vintage inspired Danish designers like Lisbeth Dahl.

This is one of my pick of the 'best little independents' - over the next few months I'll be championing more - drop me a message if you have any suggestions of local independent shops that inspire and enhance your neighbourhood.

Bright and beautiful...

2011-03-15T12:52:00.000-07:00

Regular readers will know of my inclination towards the cheap and cheerful, but sometimes I'm drawn to the bright and the beautiful that doesn't always fall into the cheap category!

Cloudberry Living has the most brilliant selection of Scandinavian design for the home, it is so well edited and is just how I imagine it might be going to a really great homes boutique in Sweden; all simple white lines with bright accents and contemporary styling. The kind of pieces that look great in modern homes.

The children's pieces are so refreshing after seeing one too many Peppa Pig and Toy Story duvet covers!

Marionette cushions - £29

ISAK Alphabet board - £42

This is the kind of 'kids' design I'd be happy to have in our living room - but maybe that's just me?! For those of you who aren't that way inclined the Verner Panton lights are worth a look too - so modern, but my favourite thing of all - timeless too!

Now that's real value for money!

Noah on the train...

2011-03-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

Noah is now 2 and a half and changing so much every day.

Last week we took the train through the rain and he loved it. The simple things that he loves so much inspire me to take a look at the world in a different way.

More thrifting...

2011-03-04T11:54:00.000-08:00

In my pursuit of all things thrifty but stylish I managed to make a shoe-bag cushion which I'm pretty chuffed with!

During my styling days I was given a strange shoe bag that languished in a shoe box at the back of my wardrobe but I was always reluctant to get rid of it as it was a great olive colour with this shimmering silver detail on the front that was so striking.

So I finally put it to good use by adding a zip and stuffing it with an old ikea cushion.

The materials:

The result:

Happy days!

More of the karma...

2011-01-28T08:43:00.000-08:00

I realised recently that I have been blogging plenty about the 'cupcakes' but not much about the 'karma' lately. Not since last new year when I blogged about my Grandad and the year ahead. Looking back now it has a different poignancy as Grandad past away last summer.

I never did make the course in London and my business that I was putting so much energy into this time last year finished after it began to be a strain on our already limited financial resources. So not quite the year I had anticipated, and yet I feel like I learnt alot about life and myself through making choices and yes, through making mistakes.

I made a very important decision to put my son first and put my own ambitions aside for the time-being. Of course I would love to have my own business one day and I am planning to learn new skills and experience new things at every opportunity, but for now I am enjoying seeing Noah experience new things every day, and teaching him the skills that I hope will be so important for him in the future.

I have followed my heart and taken a step back to 'enjoy the moment' with Noah - for now. I figure there will be plenty of time for planning my future working life in the years to come while Noah is at school, university and creating his own life.

An important part of this process has been rediscovering my love of yoga and I have also begun meditating. The hardest part of being a full-time Mum was trying to find space in the day to switch off, or focus on myself. I often felt that life was running away from me, and I was struggling to keep up, so learning to meditate and practice yoga again has given me a renewed calmness and focus. Yoga is about making positive, considered choices, and everyday it is helping me to make positive, considered choices in my life and with Noah.

For more information on yoga I'd recommend Yoga Journal as a good starting point. I've also started reading Loving What Is by Byron Katie about accepting what really is, over what your mind tells you about a situation, a valuable tool in raising an energetic 2 year old.

Something a little different...

2011-01-27T12:36:00.000-08:00

I have decided I have a retailing-affliction, I haven't put a name to it yet but I'm sure I can't be the only one with it. My favoured lines and products are always obscure, prohibitively expensive, or from another country so not widely available in this country. Generally the vintage and second-hand finds will satisfy this frustrating whim, but sometimes other brands creep into my consciousness and I can't ignore them.

So here are some of my favourites at the moment.

Tory Burch - resort collection. Beautiful jewel colours and prints in wearable, modern pieces.

Anthropologie home and fashion - pretty pieces that have that covetable flea-market feel, but now available on-line in the UK.

Kate Spade accessories and stationary - cute and fun in the brightest, sugary shades.

Danish brand - House Doctor - available at some selected on-line stores and boutiques. Quirky pieces for the home and clothing.

Jonathan Adler - American interior designer whose distinctive style is bold and always inspiring.

Spring...

2011-01-24T07:12:00.000-08:00

When daisies pied, and violets blue,
And lady-smocks all silver-white,
And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue
Do paint the meadows with delight,

William Shakespeare

I can't wait... I can feel the warmth slowly creeping back into the air. The sun seems to be that little bit longer in the sky, thank goodness. I'm so looking forward to the long evenings and more days spent outside enjoying our beautiful surroundings.

Here are a few things that have caught my eye lately and reminded me that spring is just around the corner.

A great vintage Blumarine dress that has been languishing in the back of my wardrobe and my favourite Jaeger London crocheted jacket.

Some lipstick pink Hyacinths my Mum kindly bought me that are beginning to flower, filling the house with their sweet smell.

Gorgeous vintage inspired fashion pictures. Tim Walker for British Vogue:

Mario Testino for American Vogue:

Gilles Bensimon for US Elle:

Annie Leibovitz for Vanity Fair:

And the brilliant Domino Book of Decorating - a perfect Christmas gift from someone who knows me too well:

Rosie's Boudoir in Scarborough - the most inspiring vintage shop I've been into in a long time. Full of the most incredible finds that would make anyone look like a Hollywood star if they wore one. I could have spent a fortune!

Home-made gifts...

2011-01-17T10:43:00.000-08:00

I thought it only fair to share my efforts at home-made christmas gifts after making such a point of it before the holidays. Hardly Martha Stewart but it's a start.

Also an interesting point of reference with regards my photography! The previous post is where I want to be...and well...you get the idea!

Home-made ginger biscuits

Calender - template downloaded from the internet

Home-made chocolate truffles in glass jars decorated with
buttons and labels made on my laptop

Inspiration...

2011-01-17T10:31:00.000-08:00

In a few weeks time I begin a photography course. I have very little expectation as to what this will lead to but see it as an opportunity to improve my picture-taking and hopefully make the blog abit more inspiring too.

My obsession with photography and all things visual fills our home, from prints on the walls to coffee-table books cluttering the shelves and endless cuttings from magazines spilling out of notebooks and folders, so you can imagine how I can easily spend hours on-line looking at beautiful images.

Here are some that I discovered through another blog: Things Izzy Loves

Eva Lindh is a swedish fashion and interiors stylist and my current obsession is for all things interiors.

Simplicity, composition and natural light are my watch-words for great pictures. Objects put together in a quirky way like in this first picture are an interesting contrast to more conventional compositions.

Cute.

Cheap and full of christmas cheer...

2010-12-08T12:16:00.000-08:00

If, like me, Christmas this is year is a homespun affair you'll be looking for some ways to save money, but still keep things looking festively-stylish [or stylishly festive].

There are some great resources online to help you on your way, here a few of my favourites.

Martha Stewart always has great ideas for the holidays and she has some lovely free gift-tag downloads that look very chic, click on the link here for ideas.

Another place to go is the brilliant design blog Paperseed which is by a graphic designer in Portland, Oregan. Her designs have that simple, retro look that I just love, and the trick with all these ideas is to print them directly onto a thicker paper or card that you can get from a good craft centre.

These handmade tags are from BBC Food website - I'm thinking of whipping something tasty up for the Grandparents as a stocking filler, even if you don't use these templates the ideas are fun.

The last link is to another inspiring design blog, Eat Drink Chic by Amy Moss. Her labels have a very cute handwritten feel, great for any fashionable friends.

Have fun with your wrapping!

Euro-style...

2010-12-02T12:32:00.000-08:00

Can anyone solve a conundrum for me? How do European women and particularly french women manage to look so effortlessly stylish? I realise this is hardly answering one of life's great questions but it has been a perpetual puzzle for me, a girl from Rotherham, who was trying to make it in the very international, and glamorous world of fashion from my early 20s.

I felt abit like a square peg trying to fit into a round hole if I'm honest, as all the women had incredible style like they'd just walked off the set of a Federico Fellini film, whilst I looked more Carry on Camping! It's such a difficult thing to define but I always felt like there was something aesthetically not quite right with my 'look' for want of a better word - my nails weren't manicured, my shoes were the wrong shape, or something similarly ridiculous that would leave me feeling constantly inadequate.

I only ask as I was reminded again whilst looking at the brilliant blog The Sartorialist. I will borrow a couple of images to illustrate but you should really go straight to Scott Schuman's website as it is a pictorial education in modern style. Even the dressed-down outfits of the Euro-fashionistas have a confidence and f**k it approach the British don't seem to have.

Vanessa Paradis, Emmanuelle Seigner, Sophie Marceau, Catherine Deneuve, Audrey Tatou - all elegant and seemingly better with age and botox-free!

I'm also reaching an age [my mid-30s] where I think my style needs to become a little more considered if I'm going to look someway resembling good. This is of course something that doesn't begin to cross my mind as I'm wrestling with a toddler first thing in the morning trying to persuade him of the merits of brushing his teeth and putting clothes on other than his cartoon PJs. But I'm starting to think about what my next career step will be and my re-emergence into the real world - bad nails and all.

So I'll continue pondering on my predicament - although I seem to remember reading somewhere that French women spend the most money on lingerie and cosmetics in the world. True or false? Maybe that effortless chic does actually require considerable effort...

Elegance...

2010-12-01T11:42:00.000-08:00

I love mid-20th century illustration whether it's the quirky, colourful, modernist drawings of Eric Carle or the feminine lines of a 50s Vogue cover, they capture a very evocative period in design and fashion.

There is an exhibition on at the moment that I would love to see at Somerset House in London featuring the work of Rene Gruau. An illustrator for Christian Dior Gruau created iconic, beautiful images that reflected the spirit of Dior in such a wonderful time.

I can't help but think of Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly - all poise and elegance - when I see these images and feel a little bit sad that we've lost that sense of style. The exhibition runs until the 9th of January in case you fancy popping along.

A little bit of sparkle...

2010-11-30T12:39:00.001-08:00

Last week I posted about a pretty pair of vintage-inspired shoes from New Look Limited Edition, so here are some more of my favourite party pieces from the sea of glitz that's out there. I think there is a similar retro-theme running through most of my choices, but styled up with modern, simple basics I think any of these pieces would add just the right amount of glam to an evening out.

As with make-up I'd always suggest going with one statement piece whether that's a dress, a top or a jacket - oh and I added in the coat because in this weather you need something gorgeous to put ontop!

Dress - Reiss - £149

Fringed jacket - Kate Moss for Top Shop - £80

Coat - Orion London - £115

Maxi dress - Libelula - £365

Ruched top - Max Studio - £49

Jewels in the night...

2010-11-30T12:12:00.000-08:00

We have finally fitted the lights in our living area after 5 months of bare wires poking through the ceiling. Three ceiling pendants that we agreed on and within budget were proving a tricky and expensive problem, so I finally managed to find some cheap coloured glass pendants that we both liked.

I love coloured glass - we have stained glass panels on our internal and external doors, and I have pretty votive candle holders on the mantle piece that sparkle like boiled sweets with tea lights in them, so I was quite chuffed to find these in the BHS sale.

The catch has been not fitting them on naff white plastic rose and cables but spending a little more on chrome fittings on-line. These also have the advantage of having longer, adjustable cables that can be fitted lower as we have over our dining table. These were from Ryness.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow...

2010-11-30T12:02:00.001-08:00

Sheffield is covered in a blanket of beautiful, white snow, like someone has frosted us in delicious, white icing. Of course it will soon turn to brown sludge but for now we are enjoying the views and Noah his loving is bright, engine-red sledge.

With more forecast tonight we're waiting to see what we wake up to, I'll let you know!

Just gorgeous...

2010-11-25T12:53:00.000-08:00

Ok I couldn't resist posting these beautiful shoes from New Look Limited Edition.

They so pretty and delicate, like a really great vintage find, not like the ugly platforms and stack heels that are still all over the high street at the moment. I won't be going to many parties this christmas, but if I were I'd be wearing these with a great slim pair of cigarette pants - very cute! And navy is definitely my favourite.

Book club

2010-11-25T11:49:00.000-08:00

I've lapsed in my posts these last few weeks as the real world has occupied my days and nights. Noah is now 2 and growing chattier and cheekier everyday. I never realised just how tiring it would be to be a full-time Mum - it doesnt help that he is awake at around 5am which means the days feel very long.

Another thing that has filled my evenings is a new book club that I've joined with other local Mums. Interesting and compulsive, the books have reignited my enjoyment of reading after my English Lit degree all but snuffed it out!

The first book was The Crimson Rooms, and was not the type of book I would have ordinarily picked up but the whole group agreed it was a really gripping read. Set in the 1920s it's the story of Evelyn Gifford and her struggle to forge a career in one of the last bastions of male dominated society - law.

It also interweaves several other narrative strands about a murder case that she becomes involved in, and the appearance of her brother's son and his mother from Canada. There was so much going on but I found myself really drawn into the experiences and the vivid depiction of 1920s London life.

Our second book was Eat, Pray, Love as the film had just been released so we enjoyed going to the cinema too to watch Julia Roberts - of course this is all really an excuse to get out of the house for an evening to have a good natter and a glass of wine!

A very modern story of self-discovery through travel and meditation, it is a journey through the author's experiences of trying to find happiness and balance in Italy, India and Bali.

There was a notable divide in the group over those who enjoyed the book and those who just weren't that bothered. I definitely sat in the first camp and as we sat in the Bull's Head discussing the merits of book versus film I found myself getting a little carried away with my own stories of yoga and stress! Sorry girls!

I think for many people, like myself, there is a very personal connection with the emotions that Elizabeth Gilbert experiences in reaching the point in her life where she needs a change. For anyone who is interested in spirituality I think it's a really good read - Elizabeth Gilbert is a really likeable writer, although the critics in the group thought she was over-indulgent and selfish. For me, she managed to make an esoteric subject very accessible.

Our latest book is The Help by Kathryn Stockett, and I'm loving it - my favourite yet I think, so I'll be sure to post once I've finished it.

The moral of this story is definintely to try books that you wouldn't ordinarily pick up - it's very rare you;ll be disappointed.

Cinematic Chic...

2010-10-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

I love escaping to the cinema, it's like stepping into someone else's shoes for a couple of hours, and I always come out with my eyes a little more open and a lift in my spirits. One of the reasons I enjoy the cinema is looking at some of the inspiring set designs, like I'm stepping into their home rather than their shoes for those brief moments.

The sets I love the most are those that reflect the characters in the movie so well. Nancy Meyers' films seem to capture this perfectly - Something's Gotta Give and It's Complicated are two of my favourites. After both films I just wanted to climb through the screen and curl up on one of the ridiculously expensive looking sofas. Of course Sex and the City has to appear somewhere in my choice as it certainly looks like Carrie Bradshaw chooses her interiors the way she puts together her outfits.

Simply by Googling set design from the films I found some brilliant slideshows from each. The images from Something's Gotta Give are from Architectural Digest, It's Complicated are from Traditional Homes and the Set Decorator's Society of America. The brilliant Sex and the City pictures are from Elle Decor. It's worth clicking through to see more inspiring homes.

Sex and the City 2

Something's Gotta Give

It's Complicated

Flea market shopping...

2010-10-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

After my last indulgent post I felt like I had misled my few readers, it was as if I was suggesting buying £55 candles for Christmas and of course this is far from my real life at the moment. It was meant more as a wish-list of those beautiful things I'd love to have in my collection. Maybe in my past life I might have contemplated such a thing, but more likely I would have been 'gifted' it by a generous PR and passed it on happily to a lucky friend!

This blog was always meant as a more honest account of life than you find in the average glossy magazine, and so at the moment I'm a spend-thrift which generally means shopping in the sales, in charity and thrift shops and even car boot sales which can have the best bargains of all.

Another great library book I picked up recently was Flea Market Style by Emily Chalmers with great pictures by Debi Treloar. As always I'm totally inspired by the beautiful pictures.

We are so fortunate to be able to draw from such a rich history of styles when decorating our homes - I'm a believer in putting together different periods that work together rather than sticking to one style or era, just like in these images from Emily Chalmers book.

I have a confession - I'm a secret hoarder, although my husband will argue that it is no secret! I love collecting old things that have a quality and charm you can't find today in the mass market, as with my vintage clothes I have a select few pieces around our home that add a character and individual style unique to us.

If I had more money and greater creative freedom in decorating our home [it is a happy-collaboration of our tastes], I would use a bolder hand and include a brighter pallette with jewel colours, exciting prints and more feminine pretty pieces like vintage crockery and floral fabrics. Anyone who saw last night's Antique's Roadshow with the £2.50 car-boot cup and saucer that was actually £5000 Myson will be scouring the boot sales even more like me!

Here are some of my favourite thrift finds that I love.

Pastel blue 60s desk lamp from car boot sale bought for £3 - decorated with some old ribbon!

Not that thrifty really but I love the 50s cat - £20ish from an antique market.

Similar 50s style bottle from a charity shop for a few pounds love the colour and flirty character of the lady!

I have lots of original artwork that I pick up from boot sales and markets these are some of my favourites bought at the Sunday morning flea market in Gent on different occasions. The soft tones all work together.

My 50s formica kitchen chairs are pretty uncomfortable but for 8euros each from a brocante in the Loire Valley I had to bring them home!

For those of you new to this blog, if you like this kind of style have a look at my friend Lisa's beautiful home here.

Time to think...and shop...

2010-10-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

I've had a quiet weekend to myself which is such a treat when I'm usually chasing around after a toddler.

I've done my banking, cleaned the house, ordered a fire-grate in anticipation of roaring fires at Christmas time, so generally been busying myself with all the niggling jobs that never usually get done.

One of which is thinking about starting my Christmas shopping! Unfortunately this has lead to me thinking more about what I'd like rather than what I'll be buying for everyone else. Once on-line it's too tempting to click onto my favourite sites and browse the lovely things, here are just a few I was looking at today - husband take note!

Bombus heart art from Not on the High Street - £165

This is such a great website for something a little bit different, I'm a real collector when it comes to hanging things on our walls and these are such a great idea and can be made bespoke so I love the idea of including the places that have special memories.

Mia Lia keepsake bracelet from Red Direct - £25

Red Direct always select the most stylish products that feel that little bit special.
Tweed collarless coat from Uniqlo - £79.99

Simple, elegant, timeless - all the things I'm looking for at the moment and a great price too. Uniqlo is a brilliant place to look for knitwear for gifts for family too, and you have to look a the J+ range at the moment designed by the brilliant Jil Sander - amazing tailored pieces at high street prices.

Costes scented candle from CultBeauty - £55

The appeal of CultBeauty.co.uk is that it finds all those must-have products from around the world that you can't necessarily find here, so is worth a browse just to see what is on offer.

One of my favourites is the scented range from Hotel Costes. I was lucky enough to stay at the hotel on a visit to Paris and this scent captures that decadent, indulgent feel of the whole hotel.

Feeling inspired...

2010-09-20T11:41:00.000-07:00

Years ago growing up in Rotherham [it's a small industrial town just outside Sheffield - in case you're not from round these parts], I would pore over fashion magazines much to my literary mother's despair! I wanted to be the girl in the picture. This was the late 80s/early90s so it was usually Karen Mulder or Nadja Auermann - the blonde one with the longest legs and the perfect hair.

The images I was drawn to were always beautiful, polished, and aspirational - never the wierd, wacky or dark.

The recent Next TV commercial took me back to those pictures of years ago - who doesn't want to be those girls in the ads?

Inspired by the advert I pulled together some of my favourite shoots that have caught my eye recently.

They include stories from Red, Paris Vogue, Vogue Italia, American Vogue and The Sunday Times Style.

I have stacks of magazines and tear sheets just like these that are sitting in boxes cluttering our house much to my husband's despair. Over the months I'll be pulling together more mood boards that have excited and inspired me.

Hope you like them too.

Also, a friend emailed after my last post asking for more info on the high street staples I mentioned in my last blog. Keep posted as I'll be blogging soon about my essentials from the high street.

Vintage fashion finds...

2010-09-18T02:14:00.000-07:00

I've blogged recently about my love of all things vintage from boot sale bargains for our house to some of my favourite pieces in my wardrobe, so I thought I'd share some of my best finds.

After 10 years of working at the coal face of high street fashion as fashion editor on British magazines I appreciate the British high street in all it's manic, hard-sell glory.

I have cupboards full of staple pieces from the high street that are the back-bone of what I wear. Well cut jeans that make my bum look good, great jersey basics that fit comfortably under my statement jackets and Jaeger dresses, brilliant cashmere that has stood the test of time, but I don't get the same buzz from buying these bits as I get from falling upon a really great vintage piece.

My philosophy on style is much the same is my approach to all things in my life. It's about balance; whether that's mixing the old with the new, or the glitzy with the well worn I try and have fun putting my vintage pieces together with some of my high street buys.

Of course I can't escape from the other main reason I love vintage and that's that I simply can't afford to buy the bits I would love to from the great British high street! I love Whistles dresses, Margaret Howell jersey tops, The White Company cashmere, Kurt Geiger heels, the list is endless but the bottom line is I just can't afford them, so I have to look for the quality and individual style elsewhere.

Lots of these clothes also have happy memories attached as I remember vividly when I found them - I'm not sure I have the same recollection for most of my high street pieces.

Cream 1950s embroidered and beaded dress:
Bought for $15 in a thrift shop in Vancouver, Canada and worn to several weddings. I had to get it altered and would love the skirt to be abit more fitted but it still manages to have that 'MadMen-feel' regardless.

Burberry trench coat:
Bought for £35 in a vintage shop in Brighton down the lanes. I had it dry-cleaned quite recently and was so upset to find the sleeves had shrunk slightly as this was the most perfect fit - which is always amazing!

Cotton top and turquoise necklace:
Found in a vintage haberdashery shop in Gent for 8euros, I was excited as it looks like a really great designer piece.

Hand-made floral print smock:
Another 8euro bargain in Gent, the cotton is really heavy so it looks great on.

Blue Chanel style bag that I've covered with a selection of vintage and new brooches:
Bought for £5 from a vintage shop in Leeds, I bought it before the reproduction Chanels were everywhere so have covered it in the brooches to make it abit different.

Indian embroidered shawl:
Bought for about £20 15years ago from an antique market somewhere in the north. I just love it, I don't know what the fabric is but it's the most incredibly soft weave and beautifully hand-embroidered, I've been looking for a new one of similar quality for years, but haven't been able to!

Martha Stewart kitchen inspiration

2010-09-13T05:30:00.000-07:00

We are still putting the finishing details on our home after several months of renovating.

One of the rooms that still needs some touches is the kitchen which we were on a very tight budget for, so instead of a traditional fitted style we have gone for Ikea free-standing units which I think have worked really well. The previous owners left a large range cooker which has been very useful so we are still to do tiling behind the units, shelving, and fit the extractor fan.

These pictures from Martha Stewart really caught my eye, just the kind of clean, modern style I'm after.

Affordable vintage fair

2010-09-08T06:33:00.000-07:00

My love of all things thrift and vintage is endless. As I'm currently a full-time Mum every penny counts so I love nothing more than finding a great bargain or an amazing one off piece, so the Affordable Vintage Fair is always fun. Here's a list of upcoming events, for more information click on their link.

Happy shopping!

Liverpool
Saturday 18th September 2010
Liverpool John Moores Student Union, Maryland Street, Liverpool, L1 9DE
Opening hours: 11:00 - 16:00

Edinburgh
Saturday 18th September 2010
The Parish Church of St Andrew and St George, 13 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2PA
Opening hours: 11:00am - 4:00pm

Glasgow
Sunday 19th September 2010
Queen Margaret Union, 22 University Gardens, Glasgow, G12 8QN
Opening hours: 12pm - 5pm

Sheffield
Saturday 25th September 2010
The Workstation - 7 Paternoster Row Sheffield S1 2BX
Opening hours: 10am-4pm

Nottingham
Sunday 26th September
The Art Organisation, 21 Station Street, Nottingham, NG2 3AJ
Opening hours: 12:00 - 17:00

Manchester
Saturday 23rd October 2010
Sound Control, 1 New Wakefield Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 5NP
Opening Hours: 12pm - 5pm

Lincoln
Saturday 2nd October 2010
The Engine Shed, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS
Opening hours: 12:00 - 17:00

Leeds
Wednesday September 29th
The Riley Smith Hall, Leeds University, Lifton Place, LS2 9JT
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00

Leicester
Sunday 3rd October 2010
De Montfort Students' Union, Campus Centre Building, Mill Lane, Leicester, LE2 7DR
Opening hours: 12:00 - 17:00

Oxford
Saturday 23rd October
Oxford Town Hall, St Aldate's, Oxford, OX1 1BX
Opening hours: 10:30am - 4:00pm

Durham
Saturday 9th October
The Ballroom, Durham Student Union, Dunelm House, DH1 3AN
Opening hours: 11:00 - 16:00

Newcastle
Sunday 10th October
Northumbria University Students union, Newcastle, NE1 8SB
Opening hours: 11:00 - 16:00

York
Sunday 17th October
The Hospitium, Museum Street, York, YO1 7FR
Opening hours: 10:30am - 4:30pm

London
Sunday 24th October
York Hall, Old Ford Road, Bethnal Green, E2 9PJ
Opening hours: 11:00am - 4:30pm

Derby
Saturday 30th October
University of Derby, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB
Opening hours: 11:00 - 16:00

Leeds
Sunday 31st October
The Riley Smith Hall, Leeds University, Lifton Place, LS2 9JT
Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00

Please note: We will be adding new dates for Cambridge and Birmingham in the coming weeks.

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New on-line magazine...

2010-09-02T01:16:00.000-07:00

Interesting news from the on-line fashion world. A new magazine is launching; Upstyler promises to take a unique look at fashion beyond the mass-produced high street and will include one-off pieces to buy.

Sounds like my kind of thing - on-line from mid-September - keep an eye out.

More Gent travel pictures...

2010-09-01T23:34:00.000-07:00

We just got back from another visit to see family in Belgium. I've been lucky enough to live in Antwerp, and have family living in Gent. I've posted in the past with travel pictures from my visits in my Travel Files and Details.

Looking over my pictures again I'm always drawn to the same images - shadows, architectural details, food, and 'rommel' or bric-a-brac. I think it's the details that make up the rich character of a place, so I'm drawn to photographing the little things that define somewhere.

As for the graffiti hearts - I'm not sure what the story is there - but I like them!

The Woodlands, Sandsend, North Yorkshire

2010-08-23T05:47:00.000-07:00

On our recent holiday we spent 3 days in the pretty, windswept village of Sandsend in North Yorkshire. Enough good restaurants to satisfy us for a few days, and an old-school English seaside charm, mean it's not as commercial as Whitby it's larger, better known neighbour just up the coast.

One of my favourite restaurants was The Woodlands. It looks like something out of a fairytale from the outside, but inside it's all bohemian details and gorgeous, white-washed boutique design. The food was satisfying portions of fresh fish and hearty meat, classic dishes with a twist - yum!

There's also a deli area which makes the entrance really inviting.

THE DELI:

THE RESTAURANT:

More salvage...

2010-08-18T12:28:00.000-07:00

I posted earlier in the week about my favourite stained glass door that was £8 from a salvage yard. Another of my finds were the solid brass handles that were in a dusty box for £5 each pair. As with the rest of the house, none of the handles match but that adds to the character of our imperfect home!

For a list of UK antique salvage yards it's best to refer to your local phone directory as all the websites I've looked at don't seem very complete. To get good insider info speak to antique dealers and shops locally who will know backstreet dealers that might not be well publicised.

Salvo has pretty good nationwide coverage as a starting point.

BEFORE

AFTER

Kitchen update...

2010-08-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

As promised here are some more pictures of the house since we finished the major renovations 3 weeks ago.

In the kitchen we knocked through the adjoining wall to the dining room and fitted a side door with glass pane to bring more light into the room.

At this stage we're waiting to fit shelving down the side to add extra storage space, but as with the hallway the most dramatic difference has been in the way we've brought more light into the room, and opened up the space.

BEFORE

AFTER

Floral inspiration...

2010-08-15T11:42:00.000-07:00

I posted a few weeks ago on things that make me smile, and one of them was wild flowers in the house.

I came across this beautiful book in our library and wanted to share some of the pictures which included peonies, antique roses in teacups, and camelias - my favourite.

Flowers at home by Mariella Ienna

What a difference a door makes...

2010-08-15T03:01:00.000-07:00

Thought it was about time I posted some pictures of the house post-renovations.

The biggest difference for me has been the entrance and hallway where we've installed new doors and put down new flooring.

We're taking our time putting pictures up and doing the finishing touches but these pictures give a really good impression of the amount of light that is now coming in through the stained glass and what a huge difference white walls have made.

More 'after' pictures to follow!

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

I wanted to add a note about the doors which were all found from reclamation yards and antique centres. My favourite door, the one with the blue and red glass was £8 - yes, you read it right, £8 from a salvage yard. Can't beat that really!

Back from holidays...

2010-08-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

Our summer holiday is over and travelling with a toddler is undeniably exhausting! Sleep routines go out of the window, and staying with family means eating habits too as chocolate seemed to become the default food-choice most days.

Hey-ho, it was lovely to spend time together as a family and I'm sure we'll be back in the old routines soon enough.

This picture summed up summer in England - Noah on the beach drinking hot chocolate... yes it really was that cold, but no, it didn't seem to bother him at all!

Finally in...

2010-08-03T12:22:00.000-07:00

After 17 weeks, 4 builders, 2 plasterers, 1 electrician, 1 plumber, 1 tiler, 2 carpet fitters, 1 BT engineer [hooray!], and lots of swearing, we are finally moved in.

The boxes are unpacked, a few things broken and lots of things lost [how does that happen], but we are very happy to have all our own rubbish around us once again. How we ever accumulated so much stuff in 9 years is pretty puzzling, but it was a good opportunity to clear out the junk that we no longer use and consolidate the crap that we do.

One of the more irritating things to disappear into the black hole of who-knows-where is the cable for my camera, so pictures will have to wait for now, but as soon as it's retrieved I'll be sure to post.

In the meantime here are a few new additions that have made it into the house:

Rob Ryan ceramic tiles for the kitchen, definitely on the non-essential-items list but I love them.

Lusy Blom rug from Ikea for the dining room. Realising very quickly that cream carpet in the dining room + toddler just learning to feed himself do not a good combination make, but the £30 rug from Ikea should catch most of the fall-out and for the rest we have 1001 carpet cleaner!!

Udden kitchen units from Ikea. Clean, white, simple, all we need.

French enamel house number from Willow and Stone. This is a great website too for any traditional or modern hardware you might be needing for the house.

Anthropologie porcelain plates for the wall; OK so according to my other-half this is definitely a girl-thing, and he doesn't get it at all, but I do...so there up there, for now...

Most other new things in the house are rather restored or reclaimed. I've really enjoyed mixing the old and the new, the masculine of Matt's pieces with my girly buys, the cheap essentials with the frivolous extravagances, and the rustic looking with the slick-modern.

It makes the whole thing feel like home, and more importantly our home.

Happy days. x

Things that make me smile...

2010-06-03T06:11:00.000-07:00

Noah running round the garden with no clothes on comes top of the list at the moment - hilarious, but a few other things are making me smile as the weather is warming up and we're getting closer to moving into the house.

Wild flowers in the house, this image was taken from Domino magazine.

Inside Out magazine online - a great Australian magazine, the Creative Director, Tracey Lines used to work on the same magazine as me years ago and has the most brilliant eye - gorgeous pictures and inspiring ideas. For those of us who can't get hold of it so easily they have a great on-line service and blog.

Charm bracelets from Hope on a Rope at Etsy. I love the hand-crafted charms and simple Irish linen rope, and the message on each one has a special meaning - I went for an inscription that reminds me to 'breath'!

Jersey maxi dresses, like this one at J Crew, so cool and so easy to wear now the weather is getting warmer, and a perfect example of a hard-working piece that can be dressed up or down.

Vintage french film posters at Vinmag! The coolest, contemporary graphics.

Getting there...

2010-05-24T06:31:00.001-07:00

With the plaster finally drying in the warm weather and skirting boards being fitted it is finally starting to feel like home - not quite our home, but a home none-the-less.