branch handmade

Branch Handmade design and hand screenprint a lovely collection of home textiles with simple silhouette designs. All their products are actually very reasonably priced- although shipping outside of America does bump up the cost a little bit, they're definitely still a good buy.

The pillowcases in particular are brilliant and they have a great selection of subject matter. Their cushion covers and tea towels would be a welcome style statement in any home and the bonus is that because they are almost all black images printed onto white fabric, they will fit well with any colour scheme. You can check out their Etsy shop here. I've got my eye on the bicycle pillowcases for now....

ascot friday: one stylish lady

If like me, you're in need of some fashion inspiration for the new year then you need to check out this very stylish lady. Laura writes a blog called Ascot Friday and I discovered her via a mention over on Design Mom. I love the way she puts outfits together, her laidback, cool style always looks very effortless. Oh and she works as a Visual Manager for Anthropologie over in the States. Nice job!

When I was looking through some of her images I found myself thinking "ahh, yes this is exactly how I would dress if I didn't have a tiny tearaway of a toddler to look after and had access to an unlimited budget". Then I realised that she also has young son and a lot of her clothes are thrift shop discoveries, accessorised with clever high street finds. Right. So now I really have no excuse for throwing on whatever is nearest the top of my rather large pile of discarded clothes that usually resides on top of my chest of drawers. Thanks for the kick up the backside that I needed Laura!

let's run away...

and join the circus!


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All images found via We Heart It. Click below the image for the original source (unfortunately not all of them are known.)

a glimpse of summer

This picture from The Sartorialist is really getting me in the mood for Summer..not that I can kid myself that an English Summer is anywhere near as tropical as this- which is Rio de Janeiro by the way. But definitely looking forward to afternoon strolls, sun dresses, straw bags and bare toes. No doubt I'm getting a bit ahead of myself here, there are a few more months of Winter to contend with first!

waldemar & max

I've fallen in love with the work of Waldemar and Max, a Swedish photography duo who shoot beautiful, atmospheric and often quite dramatic fashion stories. Their choice of locations is spot on and the clothes dreamy, feminine and gorgeous. Check out their website and blog to see more.

hearts for haiti

As our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti at the moment, here's a way we can all help....Etsy have set up an appeal called Hearts for Haiti. If you are an Etsy seller you can donate one of your products, if you don't have an Etsy shop you can still play an essential part by making a purchase from the selection of items that have been donated. All proceeds go directly to DoctorsWithoutBorders who will be using the money to provide vital assistance.

Good job Etsy, I'll definitely be getting involved.

cuba

I'm not sure if it's to do with all the snow we're having here, but lately I have been harbouring a burning desire to visit Cuba. Images from Havana seem to be cropping up everywhere for me and I've really fallen for the imposing old buildings with their bright, sun bleached colours and crumbling, faded glory. It seems a lot of it is literally falling to pieces but it still has an air of elegance and grandeur. And don't even get me started on all the vintage amazing classic American cars which line the streets!

Here are some images from flickr which are helping to fuel my little moment of escapism...

Top image by headlessmonk





Images above by Ilka Noggler





Images above by jimbonick84

The beaches don't look too bad either!



Image above by redmann

If anyone's ever been there, I'm really interested to hear your thoughts on what it's like as a destination. ...Still dreaming here, but hopefully one day I'll get there :)

present & correct

If you love stationery as much as I do then hopefully this site will put a smile on your face. Present & Correct is a new discovery of mine and it stocks some of the most awesome unusual, retro style and vintage stationery supplies that I have ever come across. There is everything from notebooks and jotters, to desk tidys, to labels, coloured masking tape and magnets. I could go on and on and so the best thing is probably just to pop over and see for yourself. Oh and it also has some very sweet greetings cards and prints.

Here are some particular gems which caught my eye:

Forgot to mention, it is based in the UK it does ship internationally.

pretty little pictures

I adore this little set of illustrations, discovered via the Bluebird Vintage blog. Unfortunately the original source wasn't mentioned so I have no idea who the artist is. If by any chance you happen to know then please do tell so I can credit them.

the art of interior styling

Holly from the wonderful blog decor8 has set up a flickr group pool devoted to showcasing beautiful interior styling images. Definitely a must see for anyone looking for ideas on how to artfully arrange their possesions and create beautiful displays and interiors within their home. I am certainly inspired! Here are a few especially lovely photographs which caught my eye...

Top image by ethanollie on flickr.



the happy home



Junecraft



renee ann



Melissa Allam



Junecraft

white out

I thought I'd share these hauntingly lovely images by photographer Cedric Bihr, from his series titled Christmas Frost. This is in honour of all the snow that is currently falling here in England. The heaters in our flat are turned on full blast, I'm all layered up and clutching a mug of hot chocolate. No venturing out today, I'd rather stay warm inside and admire the snow flakes from my window and appreciate the frosty beauty of these pictures instead.

I also love these two images below from Cedric Bihr's portfolio...Check out his website to see more of his work.