Blogger Wishlist: Helena & Diana

Welcome to another Wednesday Blogger Wishlist post, today we have Helena from London (although originally from Barcelona) and Diana from Stellenbosch which is just outside Cape Town.

Helena's blog, A Diary of Lovely, is so perfectly named, it's exactly that... daily inspiration! Full of gorgeous posts about fashion, interiors, design and more, Helena has such great style, I love her choices. She also has a great series going, called My Stuff which is really fun, definitely worth checking out!

Over to you Helena...

1. A classic Smythson notebook, because it’s a classic and comes in yummy colors.

2. Chanel 2.55 in black, BIG number 1 on my list. Me, the girl next door and probably half the female population of this planet.
3. A trip to New York including a stay at the Ace and a trip to Palm Spring and a stay at The Parker. New York has been always top n my travel list and Palm Spring is my newest obsession.

4. Rubie Green pillows, love the patterns, they go anywhere and look so chic.

5. This look by J.Crew.  The simplicity and French vibe has me swooning.
6. Diamond Studs from Tiffany, or anywhere else really, I always wear pearls on my ears so I would like to change a little bit.

7. A new camera, a point and shoot, I would love a DSLR but cant see myself carrying it around. So after checking around I decided to get the super sleek and sexy Canon Ixus 130.

Thanks Helena, I'd love to join you in New York and that Rubie Green pillow has my name on it!

Our second wishlist comes from Diana who has such a creative and cool blog, called Miss Moss. Diana is a graphic designer from Stellenbosch and blogs about fashion, photography, design and all sorts of interesting and quirky finds. I don't know how Diana always manages to find such unusual things to blog about but it definitely makes her blog one of a kind and definitely worth reading!

Over to you Diana...
1. Giving someone your calling card is so much slicker than swapping cellphone numbers, a stack of these from Mandate Letterpress would be very nice.
2. I wish I had flame red hair like Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine
3. As far as vintage cars go, the Porsche 356 has to be in my top 5 dream cars.
4. I cannot wait for Mad Men season 4 to start next month, my favourite TV drama.
5. My search goes on for comfortable high waist slim leg jeans that fit perfectly - these are from Urban Outfitters
6. A perfect pair of black leather boots (with a sensible heel) would become a permanent fixture in my wardrobe - these are from ACNE.
7. I'm really loving the black bow detail chain necklaces by Marni at the moment
8. This Timex vintage field army watch from J.Crew would be on my wrist every day.

Love that necklace and the calling card idea, such fun, thanks Diana for a fabulous list! So which of these are your favourites? Will any of these be making their way onto your personal wishlists?

Swedish florals

I've been seeing this particular botanical inspired print in various homes and interiors and absolutely loving it but had no idea where it came from. Luckily I spotted this amazing sofa by Kim Klelund in the  latest Livingetc and finally managed to track down where it came from! Of course, as many great designs, it comes from Sweden and is a hand printed fabric by Jobs Handtryck.

The fabric is called Rabarber which means rhubarb and comes in two beautiful colourways. I love the slightly retro feel of the design and the bright colours. The sofa in this fabric is just incredible, I wish it were mine! These are some of the other fabrics by Jobs that are just as appealing...

Image credits: Klara sofa by Kim Klelund, all fabric by Jobs Handtryck

Monday florals

Well, after a lovely sunny weekend here, it almost feels as though it may be Summer, wishful thinking huh?! I went for a long walk on the beach yesterday which was probably the highlight of my weekend, it was so peaceful and calming. Hope you all had a great weekend, are you ready for the week ahead?

Lately I've been spotting the most gorgeous florals out and about and since I am a bit of a floral girl at heart, I thought I'd dedicate this week to sharing them with you. But before that, I need to announce the winners of the Genevieve Motley jewellery giveaway...

I picked the winners using random.org and I'm happy to tell you that they are the lovely Piper from one sydney road and Krista from Rambling Tart! Congrats ladies!! And a big thank you to Genevieve too!

 

And now for the florals, loving these Paul Smith designs and the most gorgeous storyboard from 100 Layer Cake...

Paris, je t'aime

I'm still in the mood for French inspiration today, loving this photo by Gilles-Marie Zimmermann and these beautiful products from Mothology, especially their bags! Happy Sunday to you!
{ps Giveaway winners will be announced tomorrow, can't wait to reveal the two lucky ladies!}

French love

I came across bohemiennes on etsy earlier this week and instantly fell in love with these two gorgeous pieces! I love the old feel and look of them and the ornate details, the little black bench would be so cute in my "office". Unfortunately it's already been sold, can you believe it? Probably a good thing, it would have cost a fortune to get it to South Africa!

Now if only we had a French chateau to go with these pieces, wouldn't that be perfect? There's just something about France, the countryside, the lavender fields, the chateaux, the champagne... need I continue? Sigh, hopefully I'll be able to visit sometime soon. What about you, do you have a bit of a French crush too?

Image credits (From left to right, row by row):1 & 3) via Trouvais, 2) Jackie Rueda, 4 & 5) via Trouvais, 6) apartment therapy, 7) Chateaux Belles Demeures de France

Welcome Friday

Friday's here again and I'm so looking forward to the weekend! Soccer fever still abounds here and there are hundreds of happy tourists and supporters out daily dressed in their team's colours, it's so festive. So in keeping in tune with the vibrant atmosphere, I thought today's post should be positive, uplifting and colourful, I hope you like it! Have a fantastic weekend and enjoy the Summer sun if you're on the other side of the world!

Image credits: 1, 2 & 5) photography by me, 3, 6 & 7) thoughts & finds by house doctor, 4) via Once Wed, 8) Groundwork

Giveaway still open!

There's still time to enter my fabulous giveaway, so make sure you do so over here! Entries will close at the end of this Saturday, enter now before it's too late!

Catherine Hammerton

I first spotted London designer Catherine Hammerton's  home in Elle Decor earlier this year and then again on design*sponge. I have to admit, I am absolutely in love with her studio space and wish it were mine! Take a look below, don't you agree? Sigh, one day I'll have my own studio or workshop, hopefully not too far into the future...

The rest of Catherine's home is just as lovely, think colourful vintage meets girly charm! I love the wooden floors, bright pops of colour, the high ceilings and all of her fun pieces. You can see more of Catherine's actual creations over at her shop.

All images via design*sponge except cushions via Catherine Hammerton.

Blogger Wishlist: Jeanette & Julia

It's Wednesday again and time for two more Blogger Wishlists, we have Jeanette from Norway and Julia from New England, USA. Apart from sharing a great taste in design they also both seem to have a weakness for macaroons, but then again who doesn't, they're my favourites too!

Jeanette is incredibly talented and creative and her blog, FRYD + DESIGN is always full of her beautiful photos and that stylish Scandinavian design sense. Jeanette also has her own shop and has just published her first online magazine which is an absolute must read. I don't know how Jeanette manages to get so much done, I am continually impressed and inspired by her!

Over to you Jeanette...
I love every thing about this table from House Doctor.
The colors, the wood, the miss-match.

My dream would be
To sit here

Having a good time with my friends
Eating macaroons from Paris

Feeling lovely
In a yellow dress from Chloé
With sweet Hasbeens on my feet
And a wonderful bag from Toast by my side

At this moment, my wishlist
{ L O V E }
Jeanette

Thank you Jeanette, I wish I could be sitting there with you today too!

Our second wishlist today comes from Julia of The Design Dish. Her blog is full of gorgeous decor, fashion and design inspiration and you won't believe it but Julia is still in high school, pretty amazing! I have to admit I'm secretly glad blogs weren't around when I was in high school or I can imagine I wouldn't have got any studying done! Pop over for plenty of fabulous finds!

Over to Julia and what she's dreaming of...

1. Bouquets of pink peonies in every room.
2. I never seem to get sick of macaroons no matter how many I have! I've even resorted to baking them myself just to have more- delicious!
3. Recently discovered the great shades from Nars nail polish and have been longing to have them ever since.
4. Fenton-Fallon jewelry for J.Crew is the perfect mix of edgy, cool and glitzy, the necklaces are my favorites.
5. I would love to have an all expenses paid trip to Paris, I went there when I was young and would love to revisit now that I am a little older and my French is better : )
6. These Sam Edelman Clive flats in orange or yellow have been a favorite for a while. They are a great summer accompaniment, love the cutouts!

Thanks so much Julia! Paris, macaroons, peonies... a girl after my own heart!
I hope you enjoyed these wishlists, I think they're two of my favourites so far!

Artefect

{UPDATE 28 Sep 2011: Artefect has since moved to 12 Durban Road, Chelsea Village, Wynberg}

Tucked away in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Woodstock, in what was once the old Altona Hotel, you'll find a gorgeous antiques and interiors shop called Artefect. You'll probably struggle to find parking and curse the taxis all around you but once you leave the rather run down Main Road and climb the stairs to Artefect, you'll see it's all worthwhile. Enter into a perfectly styled and curated space full of beautiful French decorative pieces, linens and furniture. You'll be conjuring up scenes of French country manors and romantic dramas and believe me you won't want to leave empty handed!

Artefect, The Old Altona, 196 Victoria Rd, Woodstock
Tel: +27 21 762 6793

Photography: by me

Picnics and dreams

Ah it's Monday again and believe me, I have nothing against Mondays but I do wish the weekend could be longer! I never manage to get enough done and this morning I'm dreaming of Summer picnics, bicycle rides and blossoms. Since that's far from reality at the moment, these pretty pics will have to do! 

Did you all have a good weekend and spend time with your families yesterday? I hope so, I had an amazing lunch with my family for Father's Day, the sun was shining, it was a perfect day and I felt blessed. So here's to a good week ahead too....

{Leather belt, AG Tomboy jeans, shirt, brogues, Panama hat, blazer, Michael Kors watch}

Image credits: 1, 2 & 3) The Jewels of New York, 4 and 6) Elena from inspiration + photography

Father's day

As I'm sure you all know by now, it's Father's Day today so I'm wishing my dad and all the other fathers out there a fantastic day of relaxing and being with family and loved ones, enjoy!

Image credits: 1 & 4) George Marks via the daily green, 2) sweet paul, 3) Sunday Suppers

Wren & Chicadee delights

Something perfectly happy, bright and cheerful to share with you today, gorgeous photos by Ez of Creature Comforts all available now at her etsy shop, Wren & Chicadee. I love the one of the squirrel on top of the stack of embroidery threads, too adorable!

All images via Wren & Chicadee

Happy Friday!

It's the weekend once again and since it's been the coldest week we've had here this whole Winter, it's definitely time for a cosy weekend. Lots of tea, sweet treats and cosy, colourful blankets to keep the chill away and to warm the senses.

Don't you just love the Cupcake tea cosy below? Handmade and given to me as a gift, by the lovely Rachel. I think this weekend is the perfect time to put it to use!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and remember there's still time to enter my jewellery giveaway here!

Image credits: 1 & 4) Emma Lee @ PearsonLyle, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 9) by me, 7) Lonny, 8) The Rug Company, 10) Pia Ulin

Hello Sailor Bistro

Fairly new to Observatory is Hello Sailor Bistro, the perfect place to pop in for a delicious coffee and tasty snack. True to it's name, the bistro is all decked out in red, navy and sailor stripes. Fun, quirky decor and a casual, relaxed atmosphere... definitely worth checking out!

Hello Sailor Bistro, 122b Lower Main Road, Observatory

UPDATE: Hello Sailor Bistro has moved further down the road in Obs, now below Rolling Stones.

Photography: by me

Blogger Wishlist: Ally and Will

Welcome back to the Wednesday Blogger Wishlist series, after a crazy time of soccer and South Africa last week, we're back on track! And today I have two fabulous bloggers sharing their wishlists with us! We have Ally from Atlanta and Will from the UK.

I'm sure you've heard of Ally's blog, From The Right Bank, it's an incredible source of design, style and inspiring interiors. Ally is a bit of a travel and design fanatic and has such great taste. I know I say this about most blogs but Ally's is truly fantastic!

Over to Ally...
1. The Union Jack motif never gets old for me and the VW Flag rug by Vivienne Westwood for the Rug Company is my favorite version.
2. Shoes are my biggest addiction and at the moment, I'm lusting after Lanvin's entire Fall 2010 collection. Swoon.
3. I have a thing for chairs and an Arne Jacobsen Egg Chair has been on my wishlist for years.
4. Like everyone and their cousin, I'm mad for Mulberry's Alexa bag. It's the perfect color, size, shape... everything!
5. I would love an English style garden filled with flowers and a little shed where I would paint, read and have you all over for afternoon tea!

Ah, I'd definitely love that exact garden and an Egg chair would be heaven, thanks Ally!

Our second blogger today is Will and I'm so happy to be featuring a stylish guy blogger for a change! It's about time! Will is a journalism graduate with a passion for interiors, design and style and his blog, Bright Bazaar is all about that. Full of colourful interiors and fantastic decor finds, it's full of inspiration.

Over to you Will...

1. A subscription to ReadyMade magazine would be a pure delight!

2. I recently discovered an artist called Colin Ruffell and ever since I've been hankering after this painting. It reminds me of holidays to Greece as a child and the comforting feel of the warm sunshine.
3. I've still not managed to pick up a copy of Hue by Kelly Wearstler, so this is totally on my radar - it looks FAB.
4. This day roll bag from J Crew totally calls out to me - I like the mix of navy and tan.
5. An Olympus Pen camera - I'm trying to improve my photography skills and I've heard this is a fab crossover from point and shoot to SLR.

6. JOY pillow from Jonathan Adler - because I love his sense of fun and colourful style.

Thanks Will, I'm loving that Joy cushion and would love a copy of Hue as well! Oh if only it were Christmas or my birthday! What do you think of all these picks, any favourites?

Greyton charm

Have you discovered Pinterest yet? It's an amazing source for inspiration, a giant shared collection of favourites. Pop over and have a look, you won't be disappointed! I put together this lovely country style inspiration board below, using images only from Pinterest.

{Images row by row: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 & 11}

Still in the mood for some more country charm? Here are some scenes from Greyton. It's the prettiest village and not very big, so we took an afternoon walk around the whole village and snapped some shots. Wide Oak lined streets, sweeping views of the mountains and old buildings all add to it's appeal.

Photography: by me