Mama - Repurposed patched Levi's from No 6 Store. Papa - Bird print rucksack by Herschel from Liberty. Baby - Shoes by Chaussures Eureka. House - Mirror by Paul Blease from FAO.
New: Boutique Gallery
Now that I am a thirty-something mum of two, I find that some of the clothes which I wore in my twenties are no longer appropriate. Lately I've been struggling to find clothing that I feel good about, however one of my new go-to brands is Boutique by Jaeger. This diffusion line by Jaeger has got the balance just right - the clothes are grown-up but still fun and fashionable. I was excited to learn that the team at Jaeger have just expanded this collection by opening Boutique Gallery. Situated on the second floor of the Jaeger store on Regent Street, the brand new gallery showcases innovative, British design alongside Jaeger's Boutique collection. The edit includes a mix of fashion, jewellery, beauty and books with pieces by Studio Nicholson, Preen, Suzannah, Lara Bohinc and Mawi. This is an exciting new concept and sounds like a great way to bring new customers into the store as well as giving emerging designers an opportunity to show their products in this coveted location.
All pieces above available from Boutique Gallery. 1. Silk scarf from Age of Reason. 2. Palm tree dress by Boutique by Jaeger. 3. Pink dress by Goat. 4. Dress by Preen. 5. In the Spirit of Capri by Assouline. 6. Shirt and trousers by Studio Nicholson. 6. Colour block blouse by Jaeger London.
P.S. Jaeger also have a great outlet sale on their website.
Kids: Very French Gangsters
I love this French brand which makes super cool prescription eyewear for three to fourteen year olds. Very French Gangsters launched last year and has now expanded their range to include four different styles, all available as both glasses and sunglasses. Each style also comes in several different colours and materials. I wore glasses as a child and the choice out there was pretty dismal, so I'm delighted to finally see someone offering a range for kids that is both stylish and good for their eyes.
Lucky Boy Sunday
Here are some more lovely knits by Lucky Boy Sunday. Their work magically straddles the worlds of both adults and children, bringing a poetic, artistic sensibility to the everyday. I love the hazy sun-drenched quality of these s/s 13 campaign shots. All Lucky Boy Sunday’s designs are made from the highest grade alpaca wool, which is as soft as cashmere. Produced in Bolivia and knitted in cooperatives working under fair trade principles, their designs are made to withstand the rigours of child’s play whilst also appealing to grown ups.
Rachel Eardley Jewellery
I first discovered Rachel Eardley, a couple of years ago just after my daughter Wren was born. She cuts illustrative details from old coins and re-works them into delicate jewellery. Rachel uses lots of different motifs - from kings and queens to penguins and pineapples but I was most drawn to the wrens (taken from old British farthings) which often feature in her work. On that first meeting, I felt obliged to buy a piece. After all, one day my little girl would grow up and inherit it! Since then, I admit Rachel's jewellery has become a bit of a habit of mine. I started with a necklace and now I have a ring too. What I would really like is the magnificant multi-coin nature necklace (pictured above) but unfortunately that is going to require some serious saving!
The New Craftsmen
The New Craftsmen is an agency dedicated to promoting the work of British artisans who create high-end products which tell an interesting story. This includes furniture by Gareth Neal, textiles by Ptolemy Mann and rare sheepskins from the Isle of Auskerry. The sheepskins are from a tiny, remote island in Scotland's Orkney archipelago, where the makers and their flock of North Ronaldsay sheep are the only residents. There are only three flocks of this rare breed left in Orkney and they are most notable for their unusual and unique caramel, silver, chocolate and slate colourings, as well as their diet of seaweed. The skins are softened with rainwater and washed in huge sinks which were originally used for lighthouse keepers's laundry before being dried in a mangle and hung on driftwood frames. Only a limited number are produced each year and they are now available via The New Craftsmen. For this week only, the agency has a pop up shop in Mayfair, London, and plans for the future include a possible permanent physical space as well as an online shop.
New: Pendleton
The Pendleton A/W 12 collection is full of lots of great blankets. I love this Rosa Valley pattern which weaves a beautiful tale of Native American-inspired artistry. The diamond peaks signify a landscape of mountains and valleys while the big mountain symbols denote abundance. Rows of small diamonds signify the wisdom and the watchful eye of the shaman while the arrows offer protection from evil spirits. It takes the idea of a security blanket to a whole new level.
New: Eley Kishimoto Rugs
I have always had a soft spot for Eley Kishimoto. Back when I was a student, they were one of my favourite fashion designers. In fact, I once wrote a whole essay about their prints but I am not going to do that now... Because of my enduring admiration for their bold graphic patterns, I was excited to hear that the duo have a new exhibition at The Aram Gallery, starting this week. Celebrating 20 years of Eley Kishimoto, the exhibition focuses on their interior and product design work and coincides with the launch of an amazing new rug collection (the Flash rug is pictured above) which is exclusive to the Aram Store. The exhibition runs until 27th October and I will be heading there later this week.
New: Toast Home
The Toast House & Home AW 2012 collection launched today. Here are a few of my highlights...
1. Hand-made tableware 2. Tin storage trunks 3. Crochet blanket and washed lace bedlinen 4. Mango wood breadboards and beeswax candles 5. Fair Isle socks