I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed by everything of late. Despite telling myself before Christmas that I had to start listening to my body and take time out, I seem to have gone the opposite way, I always have had a bad sense of direction.
I don't really like the term workaholic so let's just say that I have trouble switching off from work, especially when my workplace is also my home. So I'm at a point where I'm feeling tired, lost and I think I'm in need of a new direction.
Feeling very run down makes life a bit tricky so I'm going to try and take little day by day steps so I can take pleasure in things I once enjoyed. I don't want to moan, especially when I try to keep my blog lighthearted so thank you for sticking with this slightly rambling post.
I have my crown made of pens and pencils on...for it is National Doodle Day!
As a treat I'm sharing some childhood doodles with you, drawn lovingly in my exercise book aged 8 (note that my spelling has improved...bictwit anyone?)
National Doodle Day is for a great cause so please do take a peek at their website.
I doubt I'll be taking part in any Valentine celebrations this year (Bitter? Moi?) but for those of you who might be, how about treating someone to one of the lovely little gifts below?
I was recently introduced to Percival, a brand designed and made in London. Whilst it may be menswear I know I'd happily wear everything, even if it is on the larger side.
I loved the pieces that I saw but most of all I loved the detail that had gone into them. You can always tell that designers are passionate about what they do when such attention is paid to the little details, whilst still keeping the product stylish and practical.
The wax macs had fantastic linings which reminded me of various papers. It might just be the stationery addict in me though...
As a knitwear addict, these key print lovelies also caught my eye. I do like a nice warm jumper!
And while I'm on the key theme, how about these goodies?
If you want to know a bit more about Percival I suggest you take a peek at the great interview conducted by Style Salvage or hop on over to their website and have a gander.
It was Australia day yesterday so it's only appropriate that I give you a sneaky peek of the new collection by Australian brand Polli.
Run by Maja and Tess, not only are the designs lovely (and completely appealing to my illustrator side, they're all like jewelled little drawings!) but they're also made with the environment in mind. I have to admit that when I buy jewellery that's not the first thing I consider but when I do find a brand that does take sustainability into account I am always in awe.
The new collection is inspired by all of my favourite things including nature, vintage treasures and Japanese paper designs.
Architecture also plays a role, especially in these Amsterdam and Brooklyn pieces (reminding me that I am sorely in need of a holiday)
Indulging my love of foxes (anyone else seen Fantastic Mr Fox an absurd amount of times?)
My favourite pieces are the Peter Pan collars, a style which is rapidly heading up the 'must have' lists of 2011.
You can see their past and present collections here as well as decorations and homewares (tealight fans will love their offerings inspired by kimono designs).
If you fancy taking a peek at an illustrated round up of the current menswear shows hop on over to Style Salvage where I have very kindly been featured.
I have a soft spot for Marc by Marc Jacobs because they were one of the first big brands to commission me after I graduated. But it's not that element that led to this blog post. Oh no, it was just the birds (surprise surprise).
The 2011 Resort accessories feature our little feathered friends in abundance from umbrellas (how lovely is the handle?!) to tiny little love bird rings. I'm pretty sure I'll be treating myself to some bits and pieces soon. I might even do a little rain dance just so I have a reason to buy the brollie.
Last year I was very kindly invited to visit Sane Communications to take a peek at their brands Spring Summer collections. I hope this doesn't sound like I'm completely sucking up because I like to be honest in my ramblings! I loved it all. Every single bit, every brand, every button and every colour of the rainbow that I had the pleasure of viewing. It didn't matter that the brands were predominantly for men (I'm at my happiest in an oversize shirt/jumper and brogues). I'll be going into a bit more detail about exactly what I saw in later posts but for now I leave you with a little colourful preview.
Lavenham jackets and gilets (love that Liberty lining)
Last year was a bit of a strange one for me. Work wise it was wonderful but on other fronts it wasn't so good. I suppose I'll expand on that at a later point (what do you think...more raging and venting on the blog?!) but for now I remain in a state of suspension if that's the right phrase to use.
Whilst I love what I do I'm feeling the urge to do something different. I just don't know what. So you may be seeing less of me...or you may be seeing more, who knows!
For now I'm going to leave you with some bits and bobs in the works...
