Thursday 28 February 2013

Wear & Where for everyday reading and shopping

Wear & Where is the new offering from my good friend Natasha with her friend Alex. Both experienced writers and journalists, the site is an obviously easy and entertaining read, but also offers insight and ideas for the home, cookery, travel, fashion, books... well everything that interests most of us!

Some of my favourite posts include Anyone in the mood for some sunshine? (who isn't??), This weekend well be... full of tips on books, events, etc, and the can't-stop-reading riveting post on a taboo subject Would you care what sex your baby was?

Of course, what must-read site doesn't come with a Interiors Porn section? LOVE LOVE LOVE (so much so I've already bought from it!)

WELL DONE LADIES...

Friday 25 January 2013

In My Bag BabyGap Peter Rabbit collection

High street favourite and mecca for all things kids and baby-related, Gap (through BabyGap) have released their timeless new collaboration with Beatrix Potter, Peter Rabbit.

Harking back to days gone by, this stylish collection is just for babies, both boys and girls. Cute printed cotton dresses, funny favourite foods on onesies and adorable knits galore.

I couldn't resist the yellow printed dress, pink mouse detail sweater and cute dotty jeans for my baby niece...
£16.95

£14.95
£14.95

Wednesday 23 January 2013

A love letter to J Crew

Just before Christmas, London got an early Christmas gift that J Crew are opening their first UK store on Regent Street later in 2013! The UK have become loyal supporters since J Crew started UK shipping, and I'm sure the London store will be a massive success. In the meantime...which colour do I get this gorgeous cross body mini bag in??? Or - all 3?! They retail at £123.10 each.
Bitter Citrus

Rose Dust

Vibrant Fuchsia

Tuesday 22 January 2013

Don't get caught out in the cold...

Uniqlo have had thermal technologies in their clothing and this winter (and January snow) has seen a trend in puffer thermal jackets. Boring?? Check out these amazing colour-ways....also available in parkas, coats and gilets.


Monday 21 January 2013

I-Spy Something Beginning with X

I challenge you to find a fashion brand or designer starting with X! So in it's place I have a couple of options for you fashion-hungry fans...
Kisses from Lulu Guinness, £60
X-large clutch bag £475 Lulu Guinness
Lulu Guinness has a great stock of lips and kisses, and I love this tote bag and the iconic lips clutch bag with chain...

Thursday 10 January 2013

A new bathroom that didn't cost the earth...

After moving into my dream home over a year ago, we set about (slowly) redecorating and updating it, with the rule of one room at a time. The first, and my most exciting, was my dressing room (read about it here) and the second was the bathroom. Kirstie and Phil tell us that bathrooms and kitchen offer the most sway with buyers and can sell houses (or not) on their own. Whilst, we are definitely not selling, we wanted to have our dream bathroom. The problem is, that thanks to our ever-handy Mr Bell Senior doing most of the work on his own, we were at the mercy of odd weekends, so it took a LOOOOONG time! I wish I had more photos of the "before bathroom" but this one will show you how it looked.
yes, that's ORANGE
Although the bathroom itself was fine, the shower was faulty, so after finding out we'd have to rip down the shower wall to replace it, we embarked on a bathroom journey that took almost 9 months, countless coats of paint, boxes of tiles and online research well into the early hours. This is how it looks now...
Calm and serene...
The main components - shower, less than £300 from Homebase, free-standing wall-facing bath, no longer for sale, but £260 from Next Bathrooms, double sink and vanity unit £290 from Ikea.



We relayed the floor with porcelain floor tiles from Topps Tiles as well as the walls with their mini metros in white (the range called Chic Metal are same style but much cheaper) and a Victoria and Albert design navy accent trim.




Decorative accents were thanks to gifts (heart ceramic bowl), my endless supply of candles and a trip to Homebase again for the Venetian style mirror (a bargain at £56) and palm plant.  Also the blinds came from Tuiss and I have matching in my dressing room now, and the towel shelf also from Ikea. The only missing pieces are a framed sketch of a seaside image for the blank wall and a vintage sign for above the bath...phew!
Should I get this one....

...or this one??
Now - onto the next room! Hmm where do I start??

Friday 14 December 2012

Happy Shopping at Bicester

I recently travelled back to Bicester Village for a pre-Christmas shopping trip. My only problem was that for each "gift" I purchased, I also got one for myself!! (I don't think the Spirit of Christmas is intended that way?!) But with so many incredible designers, fashion, home and lifestyle on offer, I defy anybody not to cave in!


My favourite stores included Prada (except for the crowds!), Alexander McQueen, Ralph Lauren HOME, Anya Hindmarch, Mulberry and the new Tory Burch and Rupert Sanderson. So much so, that this little Mulberry Christmas bundle had to come home with me (with a few other friends)!

Just in time for last-minute gift shopping, its open until 9pm on Thursdays...