Simplicity all round

Today I have two equally gorgeous finds for you. First up is this beautiful space styled by Amanda Smith and photographed by Ditte Isager for Elle Decor UK. I adore the different shades of white and soft neutrals and the simplicity of the space. It feels so calming and peaceful.

Image credits: photography by Ditte Isager for Elle Decor UK found via lovenordic design blog

My second find is the incredibly beautiful and delicate work by Susan Dwyer of Up in the air somewhere. Susan's ceramics and papier-mâché vessels are all hand made and therefore totally unique. I love the organic and clean feel of these pieces. They truly take my breath away.

Above images from up in the air somewhere

Wild print

Leopard print is a sure way to add some exotic chic to any outfit or room, just a small dose is needed and you'll have a striking look in no time. What do you all think? Do you own any leopard print or is it something you'd consider? I'm still regretting not having bought the perfect pair of leopard print ballerinas when I spotted them a while ago!

Image credits: Pezula Interiors scatter, Clare Vivier clutch, earrings, Dolce & Gabbana ballerinas, bangles, blouse

Image credits: 1) Karlas closet 2) Vanessa Jackman, 3) ELLE Decor, 4) ELLE Decor

Winter charm

Another chilly day here in Cape Town, so it's definitely boots, gloves and scarf weather. I've been loving my Old Khaki blazer that I finally got hold of. I spotted these beautiful winter scenes on Pia Jane Bijkerk's portfolio, aren't they magical? Now I'm wishing we could experience just a touch of snow here, just for a day or two. Oh well, that's an impossible thought, so I guess I'll have to put that wish on hold till I plan an overseas trip!

Collage credits: Photo of tree by Pia Jane Bijkerk, Ralph Lauren scarf, Old Khaki blazer, Burberry gloves, embroidery chairs by Lindstén Form Studio

Image credits: All scenery/travel photography by Pia Jane Bikerk

Chandler House giveaway

Happy Monday friends! I hope you're feeling well rested after your weekend and ready for the last week of June! I had a fantastic weekend spent with friends and family and don't think I've laughed so much in ages. So to share some happiness, I have a really awesome giveaway for you today, so read on!

Michael Chandler of Chandler House is one of those rare talents who is constantly coming up with creative new ideas and turning them into reality. From beautiful embroidered cushions to porcelain vases and ornate mirrors and most recently turning his hand to gorgeous pendants. The common theme that runs through his work, is his love of the Cape's history.

Michael designed his Cape Pendant Collection drawing on inspiration from hours spent getting to know Antique Cape Furniture while working at Sotheby’s and Stephan Welz. He decided to create a jewellery range based on the key-plates found on grand old pieces of Cape Furniture. These escutcheons are smaller versions of the originals, made from brass and sterling silver and combine traditional hand-cut work with laser technology, handcrafted by Nina from inkheart.

Featured at Christopher Strong’s Summer Collection at SA Fashion Week in Johannesburg earlier this year, Michael's pendants are a must-have. I am the lucky owner of one of his 18th Century, Rococo-inspired pendants and I have to admit I am totally in love with it! And today you stand a chance to win one too!

You can win this incredible Cape Pendant necklace, here's how to...

HOW TO ENTER:
1. You need to be a follower of my blog, (ie click the follow button on the right hand side of my blog!) and also 'like' Chandler House on facebook here.
THEN please take a look at Chandler House and leave a comment on this post, letting me know which of the designs or creations appeal most to you.

2. For extra entries... you can do one or all of the below but leave a separate comment for each, letting me know that you did!
~For an extra entry: follow Chandler House on twitter and tweet about the giveaway
~For an extra entry: blog about this giveaway
~For an extra entry: mention it on your facebook page

Please note:
* This giveaway is open to all readers
* The winner will be chosen randomly
* If you do not have a blog or twitter account, please leave your email address in your comment so that I can track you down if you win!
* This giveaway will end on Thursday 7th of July and the winner will be announced on Friday 8th of July. Good luck to you all!

{Words to live by}

Love this hoop and the message...

Photo by me of a Lauren Fowler embroidery hoop

Windswept

What can I say, I'm totally mad about this editorial featuring Dinara Chetyrova who looks absolutely incredible. Love the striking poses, bold colours, jewellery and animal print all against that vivid blue sky. Pop over and see more of this shoot here.

Image credits: creative direction by Phuong My, styled by Tre Ford, photography by Jamie Nelson for ELLE Vietnam July 2011 via Fashion Gone Rogue

Taking it easy

I'm going to hopefully get some rest this weekend, well that's the plan at least! It's real winter weather here, raining and super cold so it's a good excuse to stay home and get cosy. So I won't be enjoying the sunshine or countryside shown in these glorious pics below but it's always fun to daydream and it has given me a brief reprieve from this chilly weather! Have a lovely weekend my friends!

Image credits: 1 & 4) Jono Blackham, 2) 100 Layer Cake, 3) Anna Williams, 5) Jose Villa, 6-8) Jose Villa

Giveaway winner!

Time to announce the winner of our Vintage Lifestyle giveaway... and the lucky lady is Tracy from Forgetting Neverland, congrats! Thanks again to Vintage Lifestyle for sponsoring this great prize.

Poppy allure

Just a little bit of light poppy inspiration for you today, perfect for adding some cheer and warmth on this wintry day! Love the bold colours and natural simplicity of this flower. Pop over to 100 Layer Cake for more inspiration and images of this gorgeous outdoor wedding shoot.

Image credits: 1, 2 & 4) photos by Molly Feit via 100 Layer Cake, 2) Ditte Isager

Image credits: strapless dress, Oskar Koller print, wedge sandal, Nicole Farhi scarf, Liora Manné cushion, Kate Spade wallet

Image credits: 1 & 2) Ditte Isager, 3) photo by Molly Feit via 100 Layer Cake

Image credit: photo by Molly Feit via 100 Layer Cake

Tees are in!

Have you noticed that just plain casual tees are making the fashion rounds at the moment? Quite a fun and simple look to work, especially as you probably own one already. Find one loose fitting tee, preferably with open neck, tuck in and off you go! I absolutely love this first look, it's so casual yet stylish at the same time, she exudes that effortless natural chic!

Image credits: Maxi skirt, white tee, skinny belt, Bvlgari sunglasses, Halleh turquoise necklace, John Hardy gold cuff, Chloé Darla tote, Chloé ballet flats

Images via Stockholm Streetstyle here and here

Images via Stockholm Streetstyle here and here

Rhubarb Room

{UPDATE 28 Sep 2011: Unfortunately Rhubarb Room is in the process of closing down}

Rhubarb Room is easily one of my favourite shops in Cape Town, perfect for picking out interesting and pretty gifts. The only problem is you'll probably walk away with something for yourself too. Not that there's anything wrong with that! You'll find all sorts of treasures behind that red door from stationery and ribbons to clothing, jewellery, homeware, furniture and more. You can also rest your weary feet and enjoy a tasty Deluxe coffee, light meal or sweet treat and soak up the wonderful atmosphere.

Rhubarb Room, 227 Bree Street, Cape Town

Tel: +27 21 424 2004

Photography: by me

Chevron obsession

Bold patterns and colour, yep, two of my favourite things. So this new chevron trend is definitely up my street! You'll find it making an appearance in interiors, fashion, home accessories, stationery, art and even wedding cakes and events. This trend looks set to stay a while, so I hope you're a fan too! Have a great Monday and week ahead!
 

Image credits: 1) Stationery swatches by Mr Boddington via Once Wed, 2) Beklina totes, 3) Teal cake via Once Wed, 4) Business cards by Manvi of Mochatini, 5) pillows from Stanton Home Furnishings

Image credits: 1) Room by Diane Bergeron , 2) digital paper pack, 3) wedding table setting inspiration via design*sponge

Image credits: 1) Sierra wallpaper by Kimberly Lewis, 2) Hot air balloon print

{Words to live by}

I'm off to see the Tretchikoff exhibition at the National Gallery so I thought it only fitting to quote these words of his and one of his beautiful art works. I think I may even make this my new motto...

Painting by Vladimir Tretchikoff via Christies

Nature and interiors

I'm in awe of this incredible home in São Paulo, Brazil, designed by Fernanda Marques. Interiors and exteriors blend together seamlessly and nature takes a stand. I think it's truly beautiful! Make sure you see and read more about the rest of the home here.

Images by Fernanda Marques via Lancia Trend Visions

Pops of floral

Morning friends! Ah it's so nice to have a holiday mid-week, isn't it? And now the weekend is upon us, what could be better? I'm aiming to do some DIY projects this weekend and perhaps even a bit of dying after being inspired by the feature in Sweet Paul's Summer magazine. Paul dyed a variety of items in shades of pinks and yellow, using all natural foodstuffs! He is a genius! 

I'm really feeling the need to do a bit of a spring clean and shake out some of that winter gloom from my little office and home. Hope the feeling lasts till tomorrow when I'll actually have the time to do this! I also spotted Lisa Rupp's new floral dish towels this week, aren't they stunning? Last thing, Capetoninan bloggers, have you heard about the Blogger Get Together? Looking forward to meeting all of you and catching up in person. Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Image credits: 1) By Fryd, 2 & 4) Lisa Rupp, 3) Tara Sloggett, 5 - 9) Sweet Paul Summer 2011 magazine, 10) Lobster & Swan, 11) Blogger Get Together