Shopping : HOPSCOTCH LONDON

I came across this East London-based company the other day and promptly ordered some gorgeous looking candles from them.  These hand poured soy wax candles come in simple glass jars with gold screw top lids and are divine.  When the wax is gone I will keep the jar as it’s a very pretty thing.

Not one to pass up a chance to support local business, I thought I’d do my bit to spread the word.

The online retail store is a perfect reflection of their no nonsense, design-led approach that lets the products speak for themselves.

Prints, jewellery, homewares, vintage and accessories all carefully selected to represent craftsmanship, quality and a clean, crisp design approach. A breath of fresh, soy wax, air.

dot print pouch £22.00

pyrite prism necklace £25

gold teardrop paperclips £2.95

vintage 1950s clotted cream tin

lavender soy candle

herbivore purify serum

via HOPSCOTCH.

Paperwork : Calligraphy

Since i was a little girl i have always been fascinated with calligraphy.  I saved up my pocket money and, every few weeks, went to my local art shop to buy another scratchy, tarnished nib for my quill and some new coloured ink pot from Winsor & Newton  and hurry home to practice the art of failing at calligraphy. Many years later and my interest in the art form has not left me and i’m pondering the possibility of trying my hand at it again. One question though.  Where would i use it??

   

There are some great books and tutorials on the art.  YouTube has loads of great calligraphy artists demonstrating their work.  I particularly like Melissa Esplin at istilllovecalligraphy.com:

I have ordered a pen and ink set from Amazon and will let you know my progress – or failure – to get back into this beautiful art form.  Watch this space!  x

Light : Lampe Palmier

I’m currently obsessing over vintage brass lights, in particular the 1970’s ‘Lampe Palmier’ lights from France that referenced the glamorous Hollywood Regency period of the 1930’s.

Over the top – yes.  Gorgeous – definitely.

   

Sadly these now cost thousands of dollars in vintage interiors boutiques and antique shops across the world but a girl can dream…

x

 

 

London : MOL

Could have spent days at the Museum of London by St Pauls. So much to see.

Here is a snapshot of what we saw today:

Christmas 2014 : Gifts for me!

Ok so i haven’t left myself out – obviously!  Coming over all gold this christmas.

x

 

Apologies for no credits on these photos but i just didn’t have time this week.  You know how it is. xx

News : A job!

Just to update all my loyal readers (and my new ones) – i now have a job!  I’m working as a Marketing Consultant for my lovely friend Sarah’s bespoke jewellery company Sassalina.

I will keep you updated so expect more posts about her gorgeous gems over the coming weeks and months.

V&A : Wedding Dresses 1775-2014

Yesterday, Stella and I visited the wedding dress exhibition at the V&A as her birthday treat.

Beautiful dresses from generations of brides. This one was my favourite:

Headpieces, a silver bible, jewellery and shoes also featured. I wanted to take more photos but the museum wouldn’t allow it so here’s a link with more information: Wedding Dresses 1775-2014

Books: Eat Drink Nap

After visiting another Soho House outpost – this one in New York – I had to get their new book. I’ve admired their unique blend of relaxed luxury for a long time:

NYC : Shopping

So not that much to bring home actually. A few beauty bits, some nice stationery, sunglasses and couple of housey bits.

Bloomingdales in SoHo for accessories:

Evolution (my favourite store) where we saw animal skeletons, crocodile heads, crystals, framed butterflies and plenty more natural history goodies.
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I got Stella a turquoise geode crystal and myself these amazing agate bookends:

ABC Carpet and Home was a mecca for the artfully curated interiors look with religious artefacts, fine and vintage jewellery, ceramics, glass and textiles.

My friend bought me a brass bat skull from ABC in honour of my love of the odd and slightly macabre:

Didn’t make it to Greenwich Letterpress as we ran out of time (next trip!) but Paper Source had a good selection of stamps, ink, card and embossing tools as well as wrapping paper and pens:

Good old Sephora for beauty and make-up:

Homeware stores we visited included Fishs Eddy, Pottery Barn, Jonathan Adler, Restoration Hardware and the department stores homeware departments but nothing really leapt out. Americans prefer a more polished look with very smartly presented homewares. As I like a more jumbly vibe I was better off in flea markets but this trip the main Brooklyn ones were still closed from the winter season.

We went to many clothing stores – Rag & Bone, J. Crew, Barneys, Isabel Marant,

And the amazing Le Labo:

NYC : Tin Tiles

One design feature I will take back from this city is the patterned metal tiles featured on ceilings and walls.

They can be painted any colour and would look stunning in a hall or living room or on a feature wall.