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Wardrobe classic : Equipment shirts
June 27, 2012
Over the past few years I've made a conscious shift to a less is more approach to my wardrobe, with a focus on quality over quantity when buying new pieces. Fashion mags always talk of the value of investment dressing with cost-per-wear making even expensive purchases worthwhile, and despite agreeing with this in principle, I have discovered that it is much easier said than done without heaps of cash to splash. It is tempting to be swayed by cheap fast fashion buys when stuck for something to wear, but I'm learning to curb these impulse purchases in my quest to build a bedrock of classic staples.
So my overall aim is to invest in quality classics when affordability allows and opt for the occasional less expensive trend-led piece in between to keep my look up to date. I think my time spent travelling and two years living overseas made me appreciate a small, well edited wardrobe rather than cupboards (or suitcases in my case!) stuffed full of cheap clothes that are likely to be short lived in terms of both quality and style.
While some investment pieces remain out of reach for now (you will be mine one day, Burberry trench!) one gem has become a firm favourite since I got my hands on them a few months ago. Washed silk shirts from French brand Equipment.
I first discovered them from the ever-chic Garance Doré (below, left) and after trying on a couple in Liberty I knew I had to have one. The washed silk is so fluid, flattering, and incredibly versatile. The long length and relaxed fit gives them a great casual look with rolled up sleeves and an open neck, while buttoned up and tucked in makes them effortlessly elegant and chic.
Sources unknown
Now at around £230 a pop they do not come cheap, so if you're not feeling flush I suggest you do what I did and keep your eyes peeled to Outnet and sign up to Cocasa to score them at a bargain price when they are next on a flash sale. Be quick because the classic 'Signature' style tends to go in minutes, but it will be worth getting up at the crack of dawn to score one – honest! I managed to get two - in navy and paisley (below) - for far less than the price of one. There is a also a couple at half price on ASOS, and you can find them full price at Liberty, My-Wardrobe and Net-a-porter.
My second tip is that they come quite large and loose fitting, so consider going a size down. I'm a 10/12 and the small is fairly loose but perfect.
Top of my wish list at the moment is these fabulous scarves from accessories brand Lily and Lionel who have teamed uo with photography David Bebber to create a range of seaside-inspired prints. Aren't they great? Find them here.
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Embroidery artwork
June 19, 2012
I am blown away by the absolutely stunning art work focused on "collapsing the boundaries between traditional and popular cultures" from Singapore artist Izziyana Suhaimi. You can read about Izziyana's ideas and inspirations in this interview.
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Animal magic from JimBobArt
June 18, 2012
If you've been following the blog for a while, you may remember this post where I interviewed illustrator James Ward. I continue to be fascinated by his fabulous work so was excited to share his success story in my column in this month's Heart Home magazine. He is an inspiration to artists wanting to turn their passion into a business, so read on and check out Heart Home for some wonderful interior inspiration.
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Utility chic with Bloomingville
April 24, 2012
Obviously I absolutely adore painted furniture, but lets be honest - an entire house of it can be complete overkill. For me, the idea is to introduce a select few pieces, a statement chest of drawers say, and a blanket box for example, and mix and match with other styles. One of my favourite ways to contrast painted furniture is with industrial pieces like these goodies from Danish brand, Bloomingville. It makes the look feel fresh, edgy and modern.
Art crush // Cassia Beck
April 17, 2012
I blogged about photographer Cassia Beck and her beautiful vintage-inspired images some time ago and you may have heard of her elsewhere too as her work has been mentioned in many a high profile blog and magazine.
When browsing her Etsy shop this week I was happy to see she has two further stores - Violet May - which features collage prints with a retro feel (above), and Lola's Room - which features sweet nostalgic photography. All just absolutely beautiful don't you think?
I'm excited to be stocking some of Cassia's wonderful prints at a little pop-up shop event I'm hosting. I'm bursting to tell you more, but want to keep things under wraps until everything is confirmed. I promise you'll be the first to know!
Currently coveting // Amish barn stars
April 12, 2012
If you are like me and drawn to anything that is handcrafted with a unique history, you'll probably love Amish barn stars as much as I do.
The symbols date back over 300 years, when religious refugees from the Rhine region of Germany migrated to south eastern Pennsylvania to seek religeous freedom. It is said that communities first painted stars onto farm buildings to ward off evil spirits or bring good luck – much like the familiar horseshoe hung above a doorway.
Over time the stars became handmade from reclaimed tin or wood and are now quite the coveted home accessory. Unfortunately, some of those on the market today are likely to be mass-produced and not handmade in traditional methods (no electricity!) but if you find an original one like these from Retrophenia, it is certainly worth snapping up.
Let's go shopping // Nordic House
April 4, 2012
If you are looking to add a hint of rustic Scandinavian style to your home, Nordic House is the place to go. This webshop specializes in pieces inspired by texture and back-to-nature living to give your home that dreamy laid-back feel that our Nordic friends seem to achieve with ease.
Clearly believing that creating mood is key to a cosy living space, Nordic House has a fantastic collection of candles and holders, tea lights and beautiful lanterns for inside and out. It is also a great source if you’re planning a special dinner party or wedding, as the colour co-ordinated candles, votives and napkins make it a cinch to plan a stylish theme.
Let's go shopping // The Shop at Number 57
March 28, 2012
Today I’m sharing a shop that I have been eagerly anticipating the opening of for some time. The Shop at Number 57 comes from talented interior stylist and all round lovely lady, Marie Nichols, together with her graphic designer husband, Simon and seamstress mum, Sandra.
You’ll find a curious collection of goodies with an underlying sense of British-ness, from exclusive cushions and prints, to a collection of wonderful cross-stitch kits and fabulous vintage finds. My favourite bits include the vintage school charts and old letters in the Lost and Found section. What are yours?
PS. You can check out Marie's gorgeous home in the latest issue of Heart Home magazine.
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Let's go shopping // Holly's House
Let's go shopping // Holly's House
March 21, 2012
I discovered this treasure trove of goodies at the weekend when owner Holly sent me a tweet. I was instantly drawn to the eclectic collection of curious finds that Holly sells in her store on London’s New Kings Road, as well as through her webshop.
Do you ever get the feeling when browsing through shelter magazines and blogs that the owners of some pristine over-styled homes take themselves too seriously? I do and while I love a beautifully styled pad as much as the next interior junkie, I like to see a bit of quirk and personality. Pieces that can spark a conversation, divide opinion or simply make you laugh are for me what truly make a house a home.
Holly’s House has items like these in abundance and rivals one of my other fave source for curious finds – Rockett St George. Some are definitely investment pieces that you might need to save up for, but I think that (like our furniture!) they are worth every penny to inject unique style and character to your home.
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