Happy Friday to everyone, and what a gorgeous week it’s been! It’s the beginning of April, yet it feels like June… there’s nothing like an abundance of sunshine to put a smile on your face. Although I have to say, as lovely as it is, it’s completely blind-sided me wardrobe-wise… I’ve been commuting to work in winter knits and my thick woollen coat, whilst the rest of the female population of London is prancing around in bright and breezy dresses, with their pedicures proudly on display. (Note to self: book a pedicure, Hobbit feet aren’t a good look). As for this weekend I am very much looking forward to a girlie dinner tonight to reunite a group of us that have been without one member for far too long whilst she was having a merry old time in Oz… thanks so much for bringing back the sunshine with you, B! Then I forsee lazy mornings, a proper return to some sort of fitness regime (as evidently the summer and bikini season is now scarily close), and of course absorbing as much vitamin D as possible.

I have a very exciting post following shortly to end the week on a high note… but in the meantime, feast your eyes on these stylish goodies that have caught my attention this week:

{images via Shabby Chic}
Everyone has their heroes, and Rachel Ashwell is definitely up there for me. I’ve always been drawn to the Shabby Chic look (as long as it’s not so shabby it’s verging on derelict), and Rachel has only gone and created my idea of heaven: a Shabby Chic Bed & Breakfast, named The Prairie. Sadly it would involve a hop and a skip across the pond to Texas, but with oversized mirrors, Wisteria in vases and the comfiest of beds to greet me, it’s so incredibly tempting.

One mystery that men will never be able to get their heads around, is the need for women to have such big bags. A cursory glance over the contents of my bag today reveals an umbrella (what? These blue skies might be lulling us into a false sense of security…), 3 tubes of hand cream (it’s been a harsh winter), my passport (you never know), an inhaler (for exercise-induced asthma – suffice to say it’s been a while since I’ve used it… at a guess I’d say 2004), heels for pulling on later (the cobbles of Covent Garden are a potential death-trap if you wear them all day), an array of make-up (our office has no A/C, and the current application will have slid off my face by 5.30pm), sunglasses (standard), masking tape (I work in events, don’t ask), iPod and wallet. How would I fit all these necessities into a tiny clutch?? Therefore I gave Jolie a woman-nod of approval when I saw her toting around the ridiculously beautiful and roomy Chloé Aurore this week. It may not hold masking tape, but she has about 14 kids so I’m sure it carries countless odds and ends to keep them entertained.

I think I’m more of a print than a pattern girl, and I really like the clean lines and quirkiness of a chevron print. It seems to be having a bit of a ‘moment’ right now, and is popping up on cushions, wall art and rugs, amongst others. I also love the print on invitations and stationery too, especially in the rainbow of colours shown above.

Regular denim has had its day, it’s time to switch it up! Candy-coloured jeans seem to be everywhere, and it does make a refreshing change to the usual blues, blacks and greys. Don a pair and you’ll feel like you’re cruising down South Beach instead of Staines.

This week’s ‘Look of the Week’ award goes to Naomi Watts who looks stunning in a daintily printed Chanel dress, nude Jimmy Choos, loose waves and minimal make-up. My favourite room comes from the second issue of High Gloss, which I contentedly poured over yesterday – this dining area was created by interior designer, Mary McGee, who happens to also live in this 1940s bungalow that overlooks a canyon in Beverly Hills. Check out the rest of the house, it’s so feminine and elegant.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend whatever you’re doing and wherever you may be…

Lisa Stickley’s bags may be on the arms of A-list stars such as Angelina Jolie, SJP and Kirsten Dunst, but now she can brag about something even more impressive… a 3-page spread in this month’s House Beautiful magazine. All of the contents of her south London home tell a story, and the vintage feel is down to the fact that, according to Lisa, “I often think I was born in the wrong era. I’m drawn towards the thirties and forties.” It’s a gorgeously cosy space, and one that Lisa is very proud to call her own. I particularly love the 1930s storage unit in her kitchen:

{images via House Beautiful}
Lisa’s design business is booming, which is testimony to her drive and passion for what she does – her team now consists of 10 people, and her nostalgic prints are praised the world over. Stand out items for me are her bright polka dot bedding, anything featuring the cheery daisy design and, always a sucker for a Royal Wedding tribute (as seen here, here and here), the limited edition ‘William & Kate’ mug. Since her shop is a mere 10 minute bus ride away from my flat, I’m going to head over and treat myself to that very keepsake. If Lisa continues the way she is, I have a feeling it’s going to be worth a bob or two in the future…

{all items available at Lisa Stickley London}

Reese Witherspoon has been one of my favourite actresses since the universally-loved, Legally Blonde (and Sweet Home Alabama… and Walk the Line… I could go on). She’s definitely up there with Julia Roberts and Jen Aniston vying for the title of ‘America’s Sweetheart’. So it’s always a touching love story when they find the right guy (although why couldn’t it have been Jake Gyllenhaal, why??) and settle down in their country ranch with countless animals and mini-me children. Here are the pics that have been doing the rounds since her much-hyped wedding, but I am slightly confused as to why the pink-tinted Marchesa gown in People doesn’t quite match the Hello cover:

Anyway, turning to her fashion choices, I’ve always been a fan of her casual style even more than her red carpet gowns. Unlike other stars (*cough* Britney), she never ventures out unless she’s dressed to impress… whether it’s taking her children to school or attending a business meeting, she’s immaculately put together at all times. Although Reese does experiment with colour, she does tend to stick to basics when it comes to accessories… black bags and shoes are always a staple for this busy mum. All the easier for us to emulate! Here are some elegant every-day looks that Reese does so well:

{1. Thomas Pink red and white Portland top – £99 / 2. Warehouse slim leg black jeans – £35 / 3. John Lewis aviator sunglasses – £25 / 4. Oasis round dial bracelet watch – £40 / 5. Debenhams black ‘Caroline’ satchel – £28 / 6. New Look ballerina pump – £12.99}

{1. Dorothy Perkins blue pleat neck dress – £40 / 2. Max C elasticated waist belt – £4.95 / 3. Miss Selfridge plain black frame sunglasses – £10 / 4. Debenhams ‘Charm’ leather handbag – £36 / 5. Dune Tillie peep toe court shoes – £65}

{1. Warehouse long sleeved top – £10 / 2. Karen Millen grey wool city shorts – £70 / 3. Red Herring gold multi charm long necklace – £9.60 / 4. Very leather bow lock satchel – £135 / 5. Dune modern dressy shoe boot – £33}

Browsing through the current edition of Rue magazine, one interior in particular made me stop and take notice. The house in question belongs to Bailey McCarthy – author of delicious design blog Peppermint Bliss – and her husband, Peter. After they bought this late 19th century Victorian home in a leafy suburb of Chicago, the couple went about lovingly restoring it from a bad renovation job that screamed bachelor, to its former glory.
I really admire how the couple’s eclectic tastes have been poured into this home – this is definitely no cookie-cutter residence. From the rich jewel tones of the buttoned sofas, to the quirky wallpaper prints and touches of luxury English estate, I see something new every time I revisit it. I feel like I know the pair’s personalities just by seeing inside their home – and isn’t that what putting your stamp on a property is all about? And seriously, those dogs in the bathroom… possibly the cutest thing you’ve ever seen??

{images via rue}

{Niki Jones bone inlay chest of drawers / French Bedroom Company Venetian dressing table mirror / Sweetpea & Willow 3-seater Chesterfield / Graham & Green black croc leather trunks}

Hope you all had a good weekend! I spent a large portion of mine asleep, which was just what I needed to get back on track after my recent crazy work schedule. Onto today’s post, and to counter-balance the influx of colour currently in the fashion world, I’m bringing you a selection of nude and neutral pieces that will take you from season to season. There’s something so timeless and chic about nude hues… and the beauty of this trend is that it suits any skin tone. So if you’re finding the bright block colours too garish for you, then make like a wallflower and embrace the femininity of nudes. Do you dare to bare?

{images via pinterest}

{1. Miss Selfridge Ponti Frill dress – £38 / 2. Oasis embroidered chiffon midi dress – £60 / 3. French Sole India pumps – £82 / 4. Topshop lace corsage headband – £4 / 5. Dorothy Perkins chain clutch bag – £17.50 / 6. See by Chloe chiffon pleat tank – £145 / 7. NW3 Hankins Folly sequined dress – £159 / 8. Reiss Ariana silk shirt – £110 / 9. Topshop nude short parka – £24 / 10. Emma Cook belted silk shorts – £180 / 11. Dorothy Perkins patent origami shoes – £31.50 / 12. Very bow tote bag – £35 / 13. Reiss Gala embellished tee – £59 / 14. Chanel Jade Rose nail polish – £18 / 15. Miss Selfridge textured mini skirt – £22}