ILike.ILove

Easter Bunny

2011-04-15T19:45:00.005+01:00

Easter is fast appoaching.

This 'Rabbit' lamp by Front is part of the Moooi lighting collection. Hop to their website to take a further look...

Ikats

2011-03-20T17:11:00.011Z

Painter and designer Madeline Weinrib has a website full of inspirational fabrics, carpets, furniture and accessories. I love the bright Ikats.

Office Space

2011-03-20T16:46:00.004Z

I would really like to create a work area where I can set up my computer. Space is very limited in my flat but as the images below show it is possible to make a little nook just about anywhere...

Hello Again....

2010-04-25T16:09:00.018+01:00

I am a bad blogger. I haven't posted anything for nearly a year....but here I am again - better late than never as they say.

I have just been in Spain for the Easter weekend and managed to have a good rummage at one of their markets. There was some great stuff but I became particularly obsessed by their baskets. All different colours and sizes. The bags are perfect for those summer days....I'm not sure how many one girl can have, but I would have liked one for the beach, one for picnics, one for all the clutter I carry around, one for....(you get the idea I think...)

Moroccan Goodies

2009-05-25T17:47:00.003+01:00

I love the mouth-watering colours of these handmade leather poufs from Morocco.

Moroccan Riad

2009-05-25T17:11:00.012+01:00

Well so much for the sunshine staying, it has been grey and rainy for most of the day. But, it is a Bank Holiday Monday so at least I am not at work! My mind has wandered off thinking how great it would be if I could jump on a plane and spend the rest of the week somewhere different. This elegant Riad in Marrakech would do the trick nicely. It looks really peaceful and yet is near enough to the souks and markets to go and wander around in the cool of the evening.

Stylish Entertaining

2009-05-25T01:05:00.001+01:00

Event organiser Fiona Leahy has thrown some super stylish parties and has loads of top tips on how to create a unique experience. From small dinners at home to lavish extravaganzas the little details are so important - this name place is simply made from ribbon with alphabet beads threaded on fishing wire which serves as a placement, napkin ring, guests gift and chic dinner accessory all in one. This was used for a Stella McCartney launch she did (lots more pictures of it on her website). Now, could someone throw a party for me please?

A Box of Butterflies

2009-05-25T00:54:00.005+01:00

I saw these at the House & Garden Summer Fair last week. Cissy Cook makes these decorative design box frames which are filled with paper butterflies in flight. A three dimensional artwork that is available in various sizes, with colourways ranging from subtle shimmering silvers to bold and bright against stark white . You can commission one in colours to suit your interior or personalise one with initials or names for weddings or christenings.

Sitting Pretty

2009-05-24T23:14:00.004+01:00

It has been properly beautiful and sunny in London today. What a difference it makes and everyone seems so much cheerier....if the good weather stays for the summer (fingers crossed) wouldn't it be nice to have a double deckchair to swing in on those hot afternoons? Pedlars is a really great company that stocks all those things you never knew you wanted and more.

Birdies

2009-05-24T22:51:00.010+01:00

I saw these vases in Graham and Green when browsing aroung their shop on the Kings Road yesterday. A little flock of ceramic heaven I think.

Be a Book Worm

2009-05-23T18:30:00.014+01:00

One of my favourite blogs ever Book by its cover has the most amazing and varied collection of books with pictures and information on each one. A real source of inspiration. This is one of my latest best finds on there....

'Fraktur Mon Amor' in hot pink and black with text and patterns. This book is graphic designer Judith Schalansky's ode to Blackletter type which is all those fancy gothic looking typefaces created in Western Europe around 1150-1500. It showcases 333 typefaces and also gives you a cd in the back so you can use them to your enjoyment. Genius!

Je t'aime

2009-05-23T17:21:00.013+01:00

I am so excited! I am off to the Languedoc in the South of France at the end of July for a week. 5 friends and I are going to stay in a lovely converted 16th century stone-walled house overlooking unspoilt countryside, valleys and the hilltop village of Lussan. I am dreaming of strolling in the sunshine to the local market to buy fresh crusty baguettes, delicious cheese and wine, stopping off at the Patisserie for a praline gateau and filling the house with lavender and wild flowers. Hmm...maybe I have watched too many films based on Marcel Pagnol novels... anyway, these are the pictures I have been sent of the house:-

Lighten Up

2009-05-23T17:06:00.008+01:00

These enchanting fine porcelain tea light holders come in two sizes - Maxi and Mini - each hand thrown and decorated with tiny hole patterns that give a magical flickering glow. Designs include flowers, hearts, houses and trees along with many more abstract motifs. Visit Luna Lighting to see more.

Kikoi heaven

2009-05-09T17:51:00.014+01:00

On my last trip to Kenya at the beginning of the year, my sister stocked up on some more Kikoi's. Like me, she can never seem to collect enough of these large pieces of rectangular woven cotton, and with the variety of colours and patterns the choice is endless. Similar to a sarong they are usually wrapped around the waist like a skirt, but with a whizz on the sewing machine they can be turned into lovely cushions, bags, notebook covers, shorts, dresses....

In this case it seems like Alice has a passion for stripes.

Simple and White

2009-05-08T22:23:00.011+01:00

I am on the look out for a present to give a friend of mine and came across the Charlotte Casadejus website. Apparently she has one of the largest collections of antique french embroidered linen which she combines with vintage monograms to make unique and exquisite home accessories and gifts. Although the bolster above is a bit too big maybe a smaller cushion would be nice?

A place to dwell

2009-05-08T22:15:00.001+01:00

When walking home from work I meander down a little side street full of colour. I wish I could peep inside. Or maybe just move in.

Neat and Tidy

2009-05-08T22:10:00.002+01:00

A sleek chest of drawers I think - and although modern it is not too sharp with its gently curved edges which make it more feminine. It has a high-gloss lacquered finish and is by British designer John Reeves. He has also done quite a cool white dining table in the same style. Both at http://www.heals.co.uk/

Top Hat

2009-05-08T20:32:00.015+01:00

I have been wanting to go and see the Stephen Jones exhibition at the V&A for a while and when I finally got there today I wasn't disappointed. So many amazing creations in all shapes and styles. From basket to plastic, feathers to silk - there are elegant and pretty ones while others are more theatrical and experimental. A small atelier had been made in the centre of the room which was full of hat moulds, threads, beautiful silk flowers...a real Aladdin's cave. I bought the book (shown above) for my Mum who works as a milliner.

I love this multi-coloured knit one for Christian Dior.

BONUS: I also found these lovely porcelain buttons in the shop!

Pictures and Patterns

2009-04-25T23:04:00.005+01:00

From the amazing portfolio of Nate Williams an artist, designer and illustrator. He does surface patterns, hand lettering, wallpapers and more. I was reading his bio and loved that he quit his day job to go and live in South America. He decided to learn a language and wanted to make time to discover and experience different things....looks like it paid off.

Saturday at the market

2009-04-25T22:55:00.013+01:00

It's the weekend!

It turned into such a beautiful afternoon - the sun came out, the sky was blue, the blossom was floating in the breeze...Alice and I decided to head to Golborne Road at the top of Portobello market to see if there were any bargains to be found. We got there quite late but still managed to have a good root through all the boxes of china and glass, books and tat. I really like this old decorative wall panel and the grey bench too...both out of my price range and I have nowhere to put such big things in my small rented flat. Instead I settled for a teeny jug in which I have put a posy of Rununculas. Very girly, but at least affordable...£1!

Seeing as we were in the neighbourhood we also made a trip to our favourite Hummingbird Bakery. It would have been rude not to really....

Anyone for tea?

2009-04-20T22:06:00.004+01:00

Cute pastel coloured ceramic plates and mugs at www.lovelylovely.net. They look good enough to eat!

Magpie Dreams

2009-04-13T21:40:00.002+01:00

This is a good example of how you can neatly store all your little treasures and still keep them on display. I squirrel away so much but it seems a shame to hide the colourful and sparkly trinkets that can be collected. These glass jars are great for keeping all those buttons and ribbons, feathers and thread. I also like how the pipes have been used as a hanging space for the fake flowers.

The images are from a book called Flea Market Style by Emily Chalmers:-

(She also has a lovely shop http://www.caravanstyle.com/)

Easter greetings

2009-04-09T18:28:00.003+01:00

Although the internet is one of the fastest way of communication I am a real believer in the old-fashioned art of sending letters and cards. It can cheer up your day so much more than an email or text and is a much more personal way of correspondence. These cards from http://www.nostalchick.com/ remind me of being young again...

Hello

2009-04-09T17:28:00.001+01:00

Welcome to my blog!