Some self indulgent name dropping x

Okay so this isn't the latest news, but I was just roaming through my library of pics and stumbled across this shot of the eccentric, vibrant pink haired Zandra Rhodes! At this Summer's Pure trade show, Claire, our perky little work experience girl Katie and myself had a glimpse of the lovely lady during an interview and catwalk show of her latest project for SS11- handbags. With bags to compliment her gorgeously glamorous trademark floaty chiffon dresses, decorated in the most fabulous and colourful prints you can imagine, this was a very exciting prospect for me! The clever and down-to-earth designer spoke of her appreciation for decent sized, usable bags combined with stunning design, a flourish of embellishments and bold use of colour. I could not help but be a wee bit star struck (I think Claire was quite amused!) and had to pull out my camera to savour the memory for ever! Ahhh Zandra...

Top Drawer Darlings x

London's Kensington is fast becoming a second home (there's worse places I suppose!). I seriously think I am in danger of becoming a luvvie and have been considering investing in a Sloane ranger Alice Band to cement my darling credentials! Actually I think I am saved, for it seems this will be my last visit for a while (well that is until the Licensing show in a couple of weeks time!). Yesterday Claire and I set off from Bristol Temple Meads, coffees in hand to wake us up and prepare us for the day ahead. Top Drawer specialises in home furnishings, kidswear, fashion jewellery and gifts. Although there was not a whole lot of product suited to our requirements, there was plenty on offer which took my own personal fancy! I now have a massive list of websites to visit which I will no doubt drool and lust over, with gorgeous contemporary jewellery, row upon row of candles and homely soft furnishings to die for, all presented in a super stylish and designed setting, I really was in seventh heaven.

Ladies who laugh!

Catching up with my lovely chum Felicity is always a joyous and fun occasion and this weekend was no exception! A super talented kidswear designer, style guru and uber cool mum, Flic is a true wonder of the world! Take a peek at her delightful, enchanting and whimiscal creations for 'Let Them Eat Cake' and you will never see kidswear in the same light again!

The slinky 70's x

If rigid, constrictive tailoring is really not your thing, this Autumn offers a sleek and luxurious alternative, inspired by the sophisticated elegance of the 70's. No, I'm not talking about nylon abominations in colours not known to nature or checkered pants a 'la The Bay City Rollers, this Autumn it is all about the drape of voluminous trousers in quality fabrics, high waisted cuts, all-in-one jumpsuits, floaty chiffon dresses and tones of mustard, beige and nude which are given a touch of glamour with shimmering sequins. I am lusting after Phillip Lim's collection, a chambray jumpsuit from American Apparel (more Summer, but fab for layering as a transitional piece) and Jaeger's beautiful wrap playsuit. All inspiration for my latest work in progress, a cute button up playsuit which I will reveal upon completion!

Hurrah for Zara x

I have just been perusing the pages of the new Zara website, which is now fully transactional! There are tons of beautiful pieces I would love to get my hands on, I think this could be dangerous! I have a very fond love of Zara clothing, offering gorgeous vintage style prints, chunky layering knitwear and classy tailoring at prices which won't leave me penniless and living on tinned food for the rest of the month!

With super cute ditsy florals still very much on trend this Autumn, they are given a toasty, homely twist when layered up with cable knits in earthy natural tones. Team with clompy boots and scrunched up wooly knee high socks.

I am also loving the camel outerwear pieces which have been hyped as a key trend. Available in a variety of different cuts and textures, there really is something to suit all picky patricias out there! Wear with the uber vibrant red cropped trews for a truely individual and daring look ! Oooh and don't forget to check out their fabulous capes too!

I'm off to make a wish list right now...

All the fun of the fair x

This morning I braced myself with a cup of 'cha' and headed up to Birmingham. With the cheerful sun streaming through the train windows, Claire and I rattled along to the Autumn Fair chatting about the week's events and perusing our mags. Another day, another trade show! With a wealth of gifts, accessories and household goodies, we knew we were in for a real treat. From Jan Constantine cushions to Pac-Man alarm clocks, Pilgrim jewellery to Hamburger telephones (which had us leaping with joy as we reminisced about the Diner in 'old-school' Home and Away), there was attention grabbing beauties enticing us from every direction. One of my faves was the amazing re-released Original Fisher Price Chatter Phone, which gave me endless hours of entertainment in my earlier years, a real nostalgia trip! Something which was plain to see (and pretty unexpected) was the abundant displays of SillyBandz (or unofficial crazy bandz/fun bandz/kooky bandz...) at every corner! This is one of the 'silliest' trends of the season, however their fun and quirky nature wins us over with more than a nod to the gummy bands craze I remember from my teenage youth. With the likes of Agy Deyn, Sarah Jessica Parker and Mary-Kate Olsen all grabbing a slice of the wrist-candy action, these funny shaped bracelets have been a real hit and we are constantly trying to keep up with demand!

Living on the Edge x

Sitting on our (delayed) train with eager anticipation, Mich and I were all geared up for the London Edge trade show in Kensington Olympia today. We arrived to a delightful emporium of eclectic and vibrant temptations and after a rifle through our goodie bags, set out with a view to sourcing some exciting new brands to enrich our current offerings. Mich was looking stunning in her perfectly styled Psychobilly get up, and along with the visual delights on display today, the Vintage Clothes Fair in Bath on Sunday and hotly tipped 1950's emerging trend, is a source of inspiration for my blog today. With the likes of Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada and many more taking retro inspiration from the 50s this Autumn, that glamorous siren style is looking set to go down a storm! Billowing skirts and boned bodices create the perfect feminine silhouette, and luxurious blouses tucked into skirts, nipped in at the waist with skinny belts make a welcome jolly sight indeed!

More cake, I like cake x

If ever there was an occasion to indulge in copious amounts of cake and sip on the wonderment which is Lapsang Souchong tea, it was Granny Smith's (my mum's) 60th birthday celebrations! So, off we all trundled to The Manor House Hotel in the chocolate box village of Castle Combe last weekend to devour the offerings laid before us. Huge recommendation, a fabulous time was had by all, my bonny niece Madeleine was particularly partial to taking us all on a trip to visit the chickens and Coralie (my teeniest niece) took rather a shine to the Bath buns bless her!

Beautiful Berlin x

This Summer has been jam packed full of exciting adventures! Kicking off with a visit to Bread and Butter in Berlin in June, Claire and I sampled the delights of barbecued swordfish in the blistering 36 degree heat and checked out the amazing array of suppliers (both established and brand spanking new). Lots of inspiration there! It was an absolute joy to catch up with the guys at Amplified, Junk Food and Chunk and meet tons of enthusiastic (and uber chic, might I add) people. And to top it all, my lovely chum Shona came to join me for some sightseeing shenanigans! I am a lucky girl indeed! xxxx

Late Summer, lots of cake and cosy evenings x

Late Summer can be a glorious time. Although the evenings draw nearer and a gentle chill makes you shiver when you step out of the shower, it is also a time for cosy evenings snuggled up in front of dubious singing competitions (?) and a new take on your wardrobe! I love to make my home my sanctuary, and with the flicker of candle light, twinkle of fairy lights and aroma of freshly baked goodies, Autumn, I fear you not! The thought of layering up outfits fills me with delight, as tired old tees are injected with glamour or encased in belted woolly cardi's for shabby chic, my chunky tights make an appearance (yay!) and those old boots get a much deserved polish. The night owl sighs with relief after stepping into the warm snug of a bedroom after a raucous evening on the tiles. So here is where I start my blog, a place to share my inspirations and creations (and a little about my daily grind too no doubt!)