I'd quite like my hair to be this colour. I'm contemplating taking this illustration with me on my next visit to the hairdresser but I fear I might be met with laughter....
I'm ashamed to admit I don't make the most of London's wonderful parks. Perhaps if I lived or worked near to one it would be the perfect lunchtime escape destination. So in the meantime I'll entertain myself with some park themed goods...picnics and ice creams all round!
So fashion week is nearly upon us but I'm still poring over the Autumn/Winter collections. There's something about a nice cozy jumper that appeals more than floaty summer dresses. Bring on the knitwear!
When I'm tired and all else fails to cheer me I turn to cute animals and jewellery
These beauties by Hillier do the trick nicely.
A visit to the wonder of a shop that is Merchant Archive reminded me of the work of Jessica McCormack and left me longing for New York
New York rings by Jessica McCormack
No matter how many chests of drawers I buy I still find I have things to fill them with...but with designs like these, by Wis Design, I wouldn't mind having a house full of them.
Today I'm loving the latest collection by Annemie Verbeke. Not only because of the sublime styling of (there's something painterly about these two looks but I can't quite put my finger on it) or because I'm partial to an animal print accessory but because of the ethos behind her brand, "the desire to achieve a personal view on sublime "daily life" clothes."
The second thing I noticed? A chalk board with some tasty delights, then a shiny shiny coffee machine and a very cosy looking set of tables and chairs. So already that's most of my favourite things ticked off on my list. The brightly coloured, tasseled lucite lampshades sealed the deal.
The name "Out of Town" is a reference to the much loved television programme of the same name. The presenter Jack Hargreaves, would talk about all matters of country and rural pursuits without being overly sentimental or nostalgic and most importantly it was always from from the comfort of his 'shed.'
As Peter told me "we have, hopefully, created a room which could be anybodies own private space....a shed, study or corner of a living room where surrounded by your favorite things you can be at ease, relax, read the papers, have a coffee or just waste time!"
I came away with these two gems, both catalogues from the grandest of the London department stores Fortnum and Mason.
Dainty dessert biscuit anyone?
Out of Town
30c Great Sutton Street EC1
As a paper addict, I'm blown away by the work of Ana Hagopian. Not only because of the whimsical yet ethereal design of her jewellery but also the fact that it's all made out of paper. Inspired by both organic shapes and colours of the natural world and the various textures she recycles, Ana creates pieces that are both delicate and bold at the same time. They border the fine line between jewellery and art (which to be honest works as one for me).
I love the whole concept of 180g , who aim to colour a selection of items (from silk dresses to flannel jackets) to your exact requirements so that the shade reflects your mood. I remember the days of the mood ring (mine never ever changed from blue or green. Either it was defective or I am an extremely calm person!) but I much prefer this idea.