In my neck of the woods (South West London), 9 out of 10 residents seem to possess the following three items: a Mulberry Baywater, a Volvo 4×4 and plantation shutters. I have the Mulberry, but as an Oyster Card holder and a renter, it’ll be a good few years before I complete the set. I’m not sure when it happened, perhaps ten years ago, when plantation shutters became the thing to have in your smart SW London home. They spread like wildfire and seemingly overnight Putney turned into Charleston, South Carolina. I tend to go off trends when they become a bit saturated, but I still love how window shutters can transform a home. I adore the effect when light streams through them, or (not gonna lie) how the shutters can block light out if a midday nap is in order. Here are some examples of some very well-dressed windows:

{images via pinterest & we heart it}
And shutters are not just for windows… here are other ways they can be used to great effect (especially as headboards):

{images via pinterest & we heart it}

Now if you’ve been anywhere near the high street lately, and more specifically in Zara, then you’ll know that our favourite Spanish import (after tapas, obv) is quite simply uh-may-zing this season. It ticks off all the major trends, but not in a ‘only looks good on Blake Lively’ kinda way… yes, I’m talking about you, Karen Millen. The colour-block items are almost edible, the fabrics and styles will hold up for a good few years to come, and the shoes and bags make me want to sell a kidney in order to collect the whole bunch. Zara’s versatile blazers are a hit with the fashion world’s new and longtime crushes, Pippa Middleton and Olivia Palermo, and… ok, enough gushing. Just take a look at their lookbook for starters:

{images via Zara}
Here is my pick of their stunning range. It seems cruel to pick a favourite when the others can hear, but I’m going to go with my heart and those blue and green wedges (accessorise with a plain white tee and denim cut-offs):

{all products available at Zara}

You remember the house from MTV’s The Osbournes, right? Dark, gothic, and pretty oppressive. I once did one of those ‘Star Tours’ and it was so recognisable as we drove past… I almost expected Ozzy to stagger out in his dressing gown, yelling, “Shaaarooon!”. When I saw a tour of their new house in a recent Architectural Digest, I couldn’t believe it belonged to them, until the appearance of one of their infamous dogs in one picture.
Designed by LA-based Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, with input from Sharon, this Hidden Hills residence has a real country-house feel to it, with French antiques and Oriental touches. The palette is incredibly relaxing, and the vibe reminds me a little of J-Lo’s home (as seen here). Can you believe the former ‘Prince of Darkness’ sleeps in a mirrored four-poster bed with lilac satin sheets?! He may have wanted to keep that one quiet. I have Osbournes-house-envy… didn’t see that one coming! What do you think of their abode? Does this look appeal to you?

{images via Architectural Digest}

I’m back! Sorry for the radio silence… after an incredibly tough week working in DC, I took full advantage of my time off and celebrated the big 3-0 in style (which meant lots of Champagne and no concept of time – heaven). I have had such an amazing week with my boyfriend, friends and family, and have been thoroughly spoilt. If this is a taster of what your thirties have to offer, then I’m all for it!

I now feel revitalised and ready to get blogging again, especially after my recent shopping trips and buying armfuls of US interior and fashion magazines at Dulles airport for *ahem* research purposes. There is so much shoe goodness out there at the moment, but three trends in particular are making me drool: espadrilles, pointed courts and thong sandals. And just for you, here is a selection of what’s available right now on the high street. Which style takes your fancy?

{1. Carvela Klue sandals – £100 / 2. French Connection Golden June wedges – £120 / 3. Steve Madden Marryy wedges – £85 / 4. DV by Dolce Vita Toni sandals – £60 / 5. Nine West Thoughtful wedges – £45 / 6. Tory Burch swan print sandals – £160 / 7. Burburry Brit espadrilles – £250 / 8. Dune Sugarloaf wedge sandals – £52.50}

{1. Sherbert pointed courts – £15 / 2. Carvela stiletto courts – £95 / 3. Ted Baker Gingerr courts – £90 / 4. Kurt Geiger courts – £59 / 5. Belle & Mimi suede courts – £40 / 6. Dune Shimmer platform – £43 / 7. L.K. Bennett pointed courts – £155 / 8. Dune court shoes – £75}

{1. Steve Madden Saahara sandals – £46 / 2. French Connection Pavlos sandals – £45 / 3. Dune Felicity sandals – £70 / 4. John Lewis Leo sandals – £25 / 5. Warehouse metal bead thong – £20 / 6. River Island Carmen sandals – £24.99 / 7. Carvela Kylie sandals – £49 / 8. Office suede sandals – £35}

I know that the ikat trend has been covered extensively on interior blogs in the past (which is no bad thing), but it’s having a mini revival this season… and since I haven’t mentioned it before, I hope I’m forgiven for posting about it. This method of dying fabrics, used in numerous countries around the world, has become a favourite amongst both fashion and interior designers, and it’s easy to see why. I really like it’s “bohemian” appeal, and can be really striking either in an otherwise plain room or alongside other prints. If you haven’t seen or heard of it before, it’s one of those things that you’ll now suddenly notice everywhere! Are you a fan of ikat designs, or do you think they’ve had their day?

{images via we heart it & House Beautiful}

{1. Anthropologie cooled ikat cushion / 2. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson side plates / 3. Anthropologie mini ikat bowls / 4. Calvin Klein ikat rug / 5. Butterfly by Matthew Williamson bed linen / 6. Cushions Online Giza print cushion}