I really don’t know what I did before the invention of Oliver Bonas. Where did I go to buy friend’s presents I knew for certain they’d like? Where did I buy friend’s baby’s presents that didn’t involve venturing into the hell that is Mothercare? And where did I go when my boyfriend went to GAME? (I am now dropped off chez Bonas in the manner of a toddler being left at crèche).
Anyway, the shop is a marvel, and one of its many qualities is that it stocks the PiP studio range… which features bowls, plates and tea sets that are way too pretty to be hidden in a cupboard. The website of this Dutch company is the epitome of Shabby Chic and embodies all that is spring with an abundance of flowers and birds. Give it a go and try telling yourself you don’t need one of those large yoghurt bowls in your life:

{images via PiP studio}

{1. PiP birds in paradise khaki / 2. PiP patch quilt / 3. PiP birds in paradise green / 4. PiP fancy woven washcloth / 5. PiP mumbai express overnighter / 6. PiP yearround notebook / 7. PiP under plate / 8. PiP yoghurt bowl / 9. PiP mug ribbon rose senseo / 10. PiP jug large / 11. PiP love birds cup and saucer / 12. PiP cushion folklore / 13. PiP table runner shabby chic}

“More?” you ask… yes, absolutely (oh, I’m not finished yet). This little money-spinner is gathering momentum as it rumbles towards 29th April, and yet more Royal Wedding goodness is hitting our stores. I love this cartoon-like print of Wills & Kate (with his grandmother’s Corgis at their feet – brilliant!)… and I could certainly find a home for that Jan Constantine-esque cushion too. If I know the happy couple as well as I think I do (y’know, from reading Hello magazine and watching the E! True Hollywood Story), then I reckon they’d be fully on board with all these Royal Wedding keepsakes. The Queen, on the other hand, has taken to pursing her lips and muttering the word “circus” under her breath*.

{1. 2D Scrumptious Royal Wedding print / 2. JoJoJewellery Royal Wedding button / 3. Sweet William Designs Royal Wedding mug / 4. Claryce Design set of 6 souvenir postcards / 5. The London Gift Company Royal Wedding cushion / 6. Yield Ink Royal Wedding letterpress print}
*this is just conjecture. Please don’t send me to the Tower.

Since starting this style blog I find myself constantly discovering new websites full of beautiful things that I never tire of posting about. Because a number of the blogs that I visit for inspiration are from across the pond, they tend to feature a lot of American products that aren’t always available over here… and as lustworthy as they are (we can still window shop, right?), there’s nothing like a bit of home-grown talent to drool over. One of my favourite websites full of the aforementioned beautiful things is From Britain With Love (previously featured here). You can just tell that it was born of complete passion for locally sourced and unique products from every corner of the UK… and in an utterly random twist of fate I discovered that its editor, Nicky Sherwood, is my sort-of cousin. Small world!
So, all in the name of research (I know, I spoil you) I spent a blissful hour or two checking out the online directory and the designer’s websites, and I present to you: biscuits that are quite possibly too pretty to eat (but no one likes to be wasteful), handmade and personalised gifts that make you want to spell out you and your family’s names all through the house, a stunning set of bags that I want to order in every colour (although I’d go for the denim blue Drayton if I had to choose), and finally some stylish Welsh crafts that actually have me wishing that winter would hang around a bit longer so I can get cosy in their soft woollen blankets. Enjoy… and let me know what you think:

{all products available at Biscuiteers}

{all products available at Jonny’s Sister}

{all products available at Milo & Saint}

{all products available at Damson and Slate}

I love to lose myself in big coffee table books that are packed to the rafters with stylish interiors, desirable objects and, in short, the stuff of my daydreams. There is currently a stack of them sitting on top of my country-style table in the living room, and friends who visit often become mute for a good hour whilst perusing the pages. I am particularly excited about ‘Decorate’, the upcoming book by Holly Becker of decor8, one of my very favourite design blogs. If her website is anything to go by, then her book will undoubtedly be filled with oodles of interior inspiration. Here are some very well-dressed coffee tables (including that of Ms Carrie Bradshaw) and some tomes that I’m itching to get my hands on to add to my collection:

{images via Lonny, House Beautiful & Elle Decor}

{Domino: The Book of Decorating / Elle Decor So Chic / Vogue Living: Houses, Gardens, People / New Seaside Interiors / Decorate: 1,000 Design Ideas for Every Room in Your Home / Flea Market Style / Hue by Kelly Wearstler / Style and Substance: The Best of Elle Decor}

The sun is out and it’s Friday! What’s better than that. Notice no question mark, because the answer is nothing. After a super-busy work week I can’t wait to start the wedding season (I’m at that age when every weekend involves a wedding, a hen do, a thirtieth birthday, an engagement party or something involving a new baby) with the nuptials of a very good friend, who I met at university but our friendship survived the transition to London, and ten years later it’s so exciting to see him tie the knot. A group of uni-turned-London-turned-lifelong-friends and I are travelling down from the Big Smoke to the south coast (very Four Weddings & A Funeral) to meet up in a country pub then on to the ceremony. I expect there’ll be lots of Champagne, lots of dancing to 500 Miles and Build Me Up Buttercup, and lots of laughter. Not to mention scouting out all those little details that will inspire content for {weddings you fancy}. Can’t wait. In the meantime, here’s what has recently caught my eye:

If I hadn’t made it patently obvious already, I’m head-over-heels for chandeliers. I think the only reason I want a home to call my own, rather than renting, is so I can fill it with my choice of fixtures and fittings… which in my case means vintage chandeliers. Either blended with fellow shabby chic touches or creating juxtaposition (ooh, get me!) alongside ultra-modern surroundings, they’re going to stay top of my wish list (plus a clawfoot bath) until that elusive house is mine to decorate.

Karen Millen may be grouped in with the rest of the Great British “high street”, but like French Connection, it’s not a supermarket sweep kind of place such as H&M where someone on an average salary can emerge with an armful of purchases and a purse that’s not too much lighter. The clothes are beautiful and achingly on trend at the moment but, a) they seem to be made solely for ladies no larger than a size 10, and b) their prices have the ability to make you wince and head straight for Topshop. That being said, can’t hurt to look, non?! And this sparkly number in particular caught my eye, as it’s just crying out to be worn with skinny, slightly beaten-up jeans and mega-high heels. The kind of top that can turn even the most casual of outfits into a night on the town. When’s pay day again?

I love the Keep Calm Gallery – it takes all my strength not to order everything from their website and find a place for them on my walls. One of their newest prints tells every girl what they want to hear, and I’m inclined to say, “why thank you… right back at ya”.

This collection was inspired by a necklace that jumped out at me (not literally) from a jewellery shop window… and I’ve been on the hunt ever since for similar pieces that don’t end in 3 zeros. These ones in particular are a little more than I’d spend on jewellery (or rent), but they were too pretty not to share. I don’t think I’ve ever owned a coral item of clothing, besides a t-shirt back in 1995, but it’s a colour that I would definitely accessorise with. What do you think? {1,2,3,4,5}

It doesn’t matter if they’re cows called Mary who have always dreamed of being a horse (Müller Corner commercial), cats with opposable thumbs or dogs who can talk… for some reason, animals with non-animal traits make me crease up. And even though I’ve seen Mary the cow galloping down the beach a hundred times, it makes no difference… uncontrollable laughter every time. This probably doesn’t say much for my intelligence levels, but whatever, it’s the simple things in life that amuse me. Anyway, dogs in clothes have the same effect. Especially when it looks like they have extra limbs (dogs in spider Halloween costumes = genius), like this little chap who’s ready to celebrate St Paddy’s Day next Thursday. I think it’s the expressions on their faces – totally oblivious to how comically random they look. I seriously can’t stop laughing at it. I think there’s something wrong with me.

Now, J-Hud, that’s better. I knew you had it in you! After dressing in the dark for the Oscars (as seen here), she’s gone back to chic basics at Michael Kors’ 30th anniversary dinner in Paris this week. Her hair looks gorgeous in loose waves, and the navy gown with a nude panel to add interest is simple yet stunning. The best advert for Weight Watchers I’ve ever seen. Finally, I love this living room with piles of magazines in Perspex and pops of colour against the white… and that lamp is the perfect finishing touch.
I hope you have a fantastic weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…