Heaven On Earth!

I've been meaning to mention this beauty of a boutique for quite some time now. It's not often that a shop window display (especially one of an opticians) catches your eye daily - but somehow the concessionary label 'Heaven & Earth' has me longing for one of its cute, vintage inspired garments every morning.

Re-merchandising its window every week, this gem is tucked away in 20/20 opticians on Tottenham Court Road - an unlikely home for the ultra feminine, whimsical fashion designs. Others would struggle to utilise such limited space as effectively as they do but for now, I'm happy for nobody else to try! x

Velvet Vintage

Brighton rocks! Well, it does when it comes to independent boutiques; vintage stalls & crafts.

Walking along the sea front on a beyond blustery day, I have to say that seeing Brighton Pier emerge in the distance filled me with about as much excitement as Blackpool tower. Having imagined Southern seasides to be idyllic, quaint resorts - as opposed to rowdy, slot machine-lined promenades selling novelty rock English breakfasts and dummies, I'd expected a little more from the famed Sussex hotspot...

That was until I stumbled upon The Lanes.

From stalls selling homemade leather goods to organic cafes offering wholesomely good shakes and grub - the atmosphere completely changed within walking a few metres. A festival vibe filled the cobbled streets: an 'anything goes' spirit which encouraged people watching as a standard bank holiday activity.







Of course, one particular store stood out to me though and this time it began with a V. Entrancing me with its lavish window display - I was in awe of Velvet's fabulous combinations of silk flowers alongside appliqued owl door stops and Chinese style lanterns. Naturally, the heavy use of floral motifs in all shapes and sizes may have had something to do with my love for this store but it deserves a mention nonetheless. x

If you come down to the basement today, you're sure of a big surprise! Next AW11 Launch

Launching Next Autumn/Winter 2011 at Victoria House Basement yesterday saw journalists, bloggers and stylists enter a world of fiction vs reality as illustrative versions of Next's key products for the forthcoming season worked alongside the real thing. From baroque style mirrors to cloche hats; main fashion synchronised with home ware, children's and even beauty as playful kids accessories were collaged together with killer heels. From frogs perched on pedestal tables to oversized umbrellas sitting alongside loosely drawn eye liners and blusher compacts - this really was a press launch like no other!



Organised randomness is the only way to describe the home pods, as different trends were fused together to defy convention and really show off the statement pieces, which are destined to feature in many interior writer's 'lust lists'. From purple flock greyhounds to teacup stacked lamps; the English Eccentric trend is sure to be a hit with those who simply love to add a little tongue-in-cheek eccentricity to their homes. For me, the opulent jewel colour palette is what make this trend my favourite. Sumptuous velvets contrast against high gloss furniture, adding to the drama of the overall look.



For the artisans amongst us, there was plenty to delight as Artist Studio introduced a softer, more feminine blend of lavenders and cornflower blues. Showcasing painterly florals alongside mottled ceramics; watercolour paintings have been transferred straight onto bed linen - proving that art and interiors really do come hand in hand.

Talking about art - children's wear was also brimming with new concepts and colour schemes and, with this being my main area, I cannot let this post pass without dedicating part of this to the little gem that is Next kids...



LOL. Or, Laugh Out Loud for the girls wasn't exactly a trend that sparked off my enthusiasm when first reading about it two months ago but, despite it's SMS inspired title - this story is now my fondest. From fruit prints to spots and hedgehog prints - this story is all about embracing childhood. Styling together netted tutus with oddly printed jersey tops - it's all about being experimental! Subdued tones of mink and cream are injected with neon limes, pinks and purples to colour palette which looks good enough to eat and is guaranteed to brighten even the dreariest of winter days!

As for the boys, this time they were on top! Inspired by the great outdoors, Expedition and Adventurer have produced the likes of fur trim plaid shirts and ranger style throw-overs fit for The Swiss Family Robinson treehouse. With rust, cobalt blue and ochre proving to be the most dominant shades; colour hasn't dulled down for the change of season - which is always a good thing! So, throw on the trapper hats and desert boots & let the kids be kids! x

Enter the ancient world of Bokja!

Recently I've been thinking a lot about what I might like my future house to look like. Naturally, like most women - I am able to envisage the interior much more easily than what type of bricks might make up the exterior. For me, owning a house must be like commencing a giant art project. With endless ideas and colour palettes to experiment with though - how do you ever choose a scheme for one room?





...Hence why as soon as my eyes met Bokja's incredible array of furniture pieces - I knew immediately that this is how I would like my home to look one day. Oozing personality, the individual pieces, such as the chaise longue are pieces of art themselves. Celebrating tapestry and vintage furniture; ancient textile techniques are re-invented with pop-tastic colour combinations that prove - rules are made to be broken. x

Wrapped up in Damian Foxe

Who needs fabric when wallpaper comes to life like this? Masterfully sculpting paper is most definitely Foxe's forte as he moulds the rigid material into organic structures. Juxtaposing natural forms with manmade fibres has never looked so appealing to one's wardrobe...



Interior design is married together with beautiful fashion silhouettes - proving that Textile design has no boundaries x

Hatastic Affair!

So, I've been away revelling in all the indulgences that two bank holidays have to offer when they roll into one lovely, long break! From toasting to the happy couple (simply because it provided an excuse to pop the champagne cork before midday,) to eating chocolate, after chocolate just because - well, I couldn't waste any of those Easter eggs could I!? Of course, now I am back to reality and the big day is over this now gives me time to note that, for me, the fashion highlight of the day had to be the Spencer sisters' headpieces.

As soon as the cameras panned over the guests as they started to arrive at Westminster Abbey, I could feel my Textile Design trained mind overload as hat; after fascinator, after headpiece made their grand entrance. The grandeur of some of the shapes and forms compelled me to rummage for my Sinamay and start crafting my own millinery pieces again... one day maybe! x

A Royal Treat

In a bid to escape the Royal Wedding hype, it seems venturing up to the Lake District for the weekend wasn't enough to avoid the media ballyhoo surrounding the big day!



However, rather than trashy, pixelated mugs and tea towel designs - to my delight, I saw the first piece of memorabilia that I have to admit, did, tempt me and my purse. These cute wooden hearts are tacky... but in a tasteful way - if there is ever such a term! So, for any craft lover that wasn't planning on being just another consumer to those cashing in on such a memorable occasion - these may just change your mind x