The Bag Hunter

I have fallen in love. Again. It is a common occurrence. The object of my affections is the Saddlery Sophie Leather Shoulder Bag from Marc by Marc Jacobs. The detachable preppy shoulder strap effortlessly transforms this little beauty into a very handsome handbag. You could say that you are getting 2 bags in 1, which you may have to keep repeating to yourself as it is on the slightly pricer side at £425. My favourite colour is the tan but Net-a-Porter is currently selling the black and green.

Autumnal Fever

I cannot begin to describe how excited the latest Autumn high street/online offerings have made me. Inspiring silhouettes, beautiful fabrics and ridiculously amazing footwear! I have found myself walking into shops that I had not visited for a while, shops that were so uninspiring to me but have now been magically turned into a sugary coated gingerbread house. I love gingerbread!

One of the first collections to catch my eyes was NW3 from Hobbs. Quintessentially British heritage in style the collection is a mismatch of boyish layering, skinny-fit tailoring and preppy argyles, geometric patchworks and offbeat coloured florals. Partnered with some pretty amazing footwear and accessories. NW3 is a successful interpretation of this season's catwalks that are guaranteed to be classic wardrobe staples. From the Hermès inspired scarves to the Mui Mui style Holly Bow Court. Get your catwalk look at your nearest Hobbs or at www.hobbs.co.uk.




























Holly Bow Court £159



















West Heath Scarf £55



































Baystone Bag £139

Sleepeezee........

Even though the temperature is dropping as we head towards autumn, the deep spicy orange berries that are collecting on the tree outside our living room window bring a warm smile to my face. I love autumn and winter, sure the sun is fun but I am a creature of cosiness and the cooler evenings call for comfortable loungewear and nightwear. Toast has been my saving grace. It has all been about the Toast for me of late. I confess that I have a bit of a problem as I cannot stop looking at their website and make any excuse to pop into town to slowly meander my way through their shop to feast my eyes on the actual garments and accessories that I salivated over the night before. Do yourself a favour and invest in some of the delicious brushed cotton nightwear. Here are a few of my favourite pieces:

Striped Flannel Salwar £45




































Cropped Cashmere blend Salwar £79




































Megan Hooded Cardigan £179




































Tapestry Print Pyjamas £79



















Ikat Spot Pyjamas £59



















Mohair check scarf £55



















Wool Felt Slippers £49

Christen the tiffin

So summer is finally here! Today has been a real treat. We had breakfast, lunch AND dinner alfresco today. My favourite piece of the moment is our new Tiffin tin purchased from Toast We went trad and made a curry for our first meal in our tiffin tin. I love eating at the beach (we are very lucky, it is just at the bottom of our road) but the lugging of bags, baskets, coolers etc., can be a bit of a nightmare and rather off putting. When I spied one of these little beauties in Toast, I jumped on it. It is so compact and comes with 6 plates. I just used the 2 bottom compartments for the rice and curry and put the cutlery and napkins in the other. We sat on Toast's large Madur Beach Mat which is also neat and easy to carry. So easy and fuss free, I highly recommend purchasing the large tiffin tin (£45) and the Madur Beach Mat (sale price £26).

Kemptown Trading Post & Coffee Shop

A fine establishment that is host to 11 vendors who sell a wonderful concoction of vintage, modern and classic furniture and collectables. I defy anyone not to find at least some little ditty to purchase here whether it be a beautiful vintage dress or compact or a funky or classic piece of furniture. I have my eye on the vintage mannequin in their glorious window as well as the mid century modern furniture. If you make your way through to the back you will find a vast array of retro furniture and accessories, vintage clothing and a booth that goes by the name of 76-67 who seem to mix mid century furniture with classics such as Staffordshire dogs, old battered leather briefcases, vintage jewellery and tea sets. You can view some of their items at www.76-67.co.uk Their items start from a very reasonable £3 for a vintage book to £172 for a VERY attractive, sleek teak retro Avalon sideboard.

Visit the Kemptown Trading Post & Coffee Shop's website at www.kemptowntradingpost.co.uk

Trench lady

I love a good trench coat. Whether enveloping a chic little dress or thrown over a white tee and jeans, your trench coat will be your spring salvation. Here are few of this seasons goodies from NET-A-PORTER

Mui Mui Gabardine tulip-skirt trench £785

















Vanessa Bruno Silk-cotton angular trench £600

















Okay, so these are not trench coats but are too good not to mention

Jil Sander Ermont cashmere felt coat £2,450

















Moschino Bouclé tweed coat £1,706

The manly present

Here is a list of wonderful presents for the men in our lives. I had a whale of a time hunting down heart stopping gifts for my husband last Christmas. He is a little challenging to buy for but I apparently did very well.

Monocle is a brilliant mens magazine that is stylish, hip and very readable. They have a little shop section on their website (as well a store in Marylebone)


















Limited edition 2010 Monocle diary

A partnership with Japanese stationer Mark's has produced this well considered diary. The B6-sized diaries are limited to 100 in each colour. WIth useful pockets, subway maps for major Japanese and world cities (including Paris, London, Milan and New York), a five-language mini-dictionary and conversion charts.













John Derian Crystal Dome Paperweight available at Liberty £50



































































Beautifully crafted Japanese pens and mechanical pencils by Macinari
In true Japanese packaging, each pen/pencil is perfectly enclosed in a neat little package. Who knew a pencil could be so arresting! Available in the UK at Wickle