Here are a few sneaky pix from last weekend’s photoshoot at Elsie Riley. We sweltered in the heat down in the basement and I feared the make-up I’d so carefully applied was going to melt off, but the models, Katrina and Rhea were just brilliant, helped of course by the excellent photographer of Elena Goodrum. I hope you enjoy them!
Above: Rhea models some vintage-inspired work wear…
Above: Katrina channels the spirit of Audrey Hepburn…
Above: One of my favourite images from the shoot.
The long-awaited Shop Dutty article and fashion shoot is finally in print! Yes, the latest issue of Suit Yourself Magzine has hit the streets. Click here to read all about it ( we are on pages 71 – 73)
Browsing the latest issue of NEET magazine I spotted this beautiful bag from excellent online boutique ShopCuffs.
Sadly, it has sold out, as has its ‘cherry’ coloured compadre below…but I thought it was definitely worth mentioning this wicked little shop.
WOW,WOW, WOW! I am coveting this awesome reconditioned 1940s phone which I spotted on Three Potato Four, a US interiors website full of vintage loveliness (warning: you will not want to leave this site!)
It is a bit on the pricey side at $295 but God, isn’t it fabulous?
I can just see this taking pride of place on my halfmoon table…hmm, must buy a lottery ticket this weekend 
Oh my! You know when you have found a special little place when it has its own theme tune! Dear little online shop “Hop,hop, hop” is so lovely, I spent ages there. I totally recommend putting your headphones on when browsing! This heart necklace and bracelett set is just one of many truly unique and dainty creations in the shop…
Images found here
Ever watchful for super-cute finds, I have come across some great French websites (thanks Shiv) that I thought were so lovely, they need to be shared…
Pop by Les Fleurs a blog that has since turned into a shop selling unbelievebly cute bits and bobs like the Lucky doll charms (above) which cost €11. And the amazingly detailed ‘bijouets’ brooches below are something else.
Oooh I love this little ‘Carte Postale Paris Retro’ by Camille Soulayrol
Next up is Yum Yum which makes some adorable jewellery, bags and accessories, really unique stuff that you just don’t find no matter how hard you search!
I love the Cherry branch brooches below. There are lots more lovely things to see, so I suggest you get over there toute suite!
Perhaps it’s because I am a writer by trade, but I have always loved letters and I’m a complete typography nerd so this post is dedicated to the humble letter. First up is the cool “Alphabet bag” - made of 100% cotton and, at a tenner a pop, they are are simple and cool – perfect for nipping to the veg shop or carrying your swimming things in!
If you haven’t yet come across her, Emily Peacock is doing wonderful things for the revival of tapestry. No longer the domain of medieval castles or grandma’s carpet bag, these circus-inspired tapestry cushions rock – mothballs not included. Also you have to DIY so it kind of becomes an heirloom – genius!
I spotted these bookspine bracletts on Etsy – they are the handiwork of the very talented Leah Makin whose passion for ‘papers, persnickety punctuation and discarded library books’ make for some really creative items in her Etsy shop.
While I was pouncing about on Etsy, as is customary for a Friday afternoon, I found these lovely laser-cut lovelies by Isette - she does a whole range of letters and words in lots of different colours. I love the delicate curls of the ampersand, which I rarely get to use as house-style at work doesn’t like the pretty little symbol 
so instead, I can wear one – they are a bargain at $24 plus P & P.
Ok so it’s not typography, but I think Isette’s cute glasses ring (below) would style up any hand ($9 USD)
Finally one more Etsy find for you – this time from the wonderful imagination of Vintage Inspiration - it’s a really cute antique typewritter key set in a novely button – how sweet! Again it’s a snip at $10 USD.
Apologies for my lack of blog posts recently, I am up to my eyes doing the PR for The Bristol Design Festival at present but have stolen a moment from work after spotting this fabulous wallpaper created by Lene Toni Kjeld.
I am really into lace at the moment, I actually bought some lovely old lace doillies from a charity shop recently, for £1 – bargain! The craftsmanship is fabulous and there is something really grand about putting home-baked goods on a lovely lace doilly – I feel a baking session coming on just thinking about it!!!!
Image found here. This is a trend that is sneaking into interiors in more than one way – so if vintage is not your thing, you can make what is thought of as an old trend bang up to date – for example, Marcel Wanders’ lace table (above) is a thing of beauty and could hardly be accused of being ‘old fashioned’.
After a poke about on Flickr, I came across the quirky and truly unique style of Dottie Angel whose creative use of lace and other vintage ecoutrements make for some beautiful images. Here are a few of the lacey lovelies she has in her photostream:
Who said tablecloths were for tables?
I also really love the use of lace and crochet on her aprons and detailing on this cute wall hanging (above). If you get a chance, check out her excellent blog here. Very inspiring!
A definite addition to my lust list – just found this beautiful ‘Claret’ brooch and I simply must have it! £45 from Radichi – a great little online shop selling all kinds of whimiscal bits and bobs .
Ok, so I know i’m not a kid, but the rather swish ’mobile home’ for children they sell on their site is so ace - I’m sure it will inspire a generation of ‘grand designers’ for a decrepid Kevin McCloud to pester! Still, I rather fancy one myself, with eight well-proportioned rooms and even an attic to store up all your brick-a-brack, at least in this market you can get a property at a snip – only £15 – how cool!
I have always loved the beautiful Japanese art of origami and can just about make a waterlilly out of a napkin, but recently I have come across some creative and stunning examples of unusual paper-folding and thought I would share…
The image above (found here) is simple yet eye-catching and saves buying fresh cut flowers! I plan to have a bash at these myself this weekend as I curl up in front of Eurovision, one of my many guilty pleasures.
I adore this origami flower made of post-its created by Abbey Lanes - simple but so pretty. If you fancy having a go, here is the tutorial.
What about this image (above) found on Flickr for a different approach to wall art…courtesy of Capo Luiz’s photostream.
While Vaguely Artist’s photostream includes this dear little dollar origami tee-shirt! There is even a link to the website that shows you how to make them!
Finally this exquisite hydranger by Eric Madrigal - I am going to have a go at one of these too – having spotted that Habitat is doing a range of lovely origami flowers, for a tenner, I too want to have some in my house!
Happy weekend!
 | Dina on Elsie Riley shoot – snea… |
 | flash on Elsie Riley shoot – snea… |
 | Rosie on French Fancies |
 | clarabows on Shop Dutty in print |
 | elena on French Fancies |
