Category: Classic
Queen Square x
As someone fascinated by life and society, I’m always intrigued by change and what drives it as I genuinely believe that sometimes change is wrong – that there are things that have reached their peak and can’t be improved upon and that sometimes we push growth without thinking of the long term consequences. But that doesn’t mean that all change is wrong – one only needs to look at this new collab between Ben Penreath, the creative, architect and interior designer and William Morris to see how great eyes can bring new life.
(All pics Pinterest and Style Library)
My joy explodeth over.
laters, Kate xxx
Shagged x
Needing a natural rug? One with a bit of an edge? Something a little different?
Well, hold the doors, because when it comes to floors, Tate and Darby are a little treasure trove: A design-led ethical brand, they believe in finding the balance between design being accessible to all against ensuring all their artisans are fairly paid. Their rugs are designed in the UK and then woven by skilled craftsmen and women in Morocco and India, which means a further flavour of marrying contemporary and traditional that touches everything they do and makes them quietly sing like a beautifully rung handmade bell.
(All pics Tate and Darby and Pinterest)
Ding. Dong.
Laters, Kate x
Simples x
Pigeon holes, dividers, stereotypes all designed for easy short hand and sometimes lazy labels, because look further and who knows what you’ll find; this simply, but strikingly effective wallpaper comes from a heritage brand set up to promote what some would consider old fashioned chintz.
Mrs Henry Parish is considered to be one of the last of America’s grande dame decorators. Founded in 2000, Sister Parish is a homage brand whose aim is to bring back the prints and papers that Mrs Parish loved.
(All pics Sister Parish and Pinterest)
It’s timeless elegance on a hot day, blue skies, green grass, the distant sounds from a pool, and always a cool, gentle breeze.
Laters, Kate x
The Pull x
The one thing I’ve been grateful for every day of this lockdown has been the weather. Nine times out of ten the sky has been a forget-me-not blue, possibly bluer, with each passing day as the urban pollution has cleared. It’s had an effect, not only on all our moods, but also on the garden that has now burst into acid green, waving fronds and baby buds. It feels we are in early summer rather than spring and I can’t imagine the same time with grey skies and pouring rain. As yet, I haven’t dared swap over my summer wardrobe, not wishing to give this gift life the kiss of death, but I have moved back to transition dressing – the same basics but with lighter layers, one step away from high summer cotton dresses. The last thing I’ve wanted to do in lockdown is buy clothes. But the truth is, if we want there to be a recovery, spending needs to happen, and not just at Amazon. With this in mind, all these pics all come from Massimo Dutti, offering the sort of pieces that stand the test of time: strong, classic and well made; if there are any holes in your wardrobe, here’s where to look to fill them..
(All pics Massimo Dutti and Pinterest)
And regarding prices? think Zara rather than Chanel. Just saying.
Laters, Kate x
Style Icons x
The Olsen twins. Couldn’t tell you who was who, but combined they’re a force to be reckoned with: Effortless layering, unafraid of volume, an eye for proportion and natural insouciance.
(All pics Pinterest)
A million miles away from the Kardashians, this is my tribe of cool.
Laters, Kate x
Street style x
What is it they say…the worse the country is doing, the more fabric is used? It isn’t working for trousers – cropped and ankle grazers are still winning the day – but coats…there’s a whisper on the air regarding coats, and it’s saying length equals elegance equals appealing….
(All pics Pinterest)
Laters, Kate x
Wild x
Instead of buying velvet, maybe I should bite the bullet and buy a van and convert it into an escape-mobile. Or just pass over some wonga and get someone else to do it for me….Confession: the site Wildvan is my new go-to porn. That and the ‘cabin in the wood’ equivalent.
(All pics Wildvan and Pinterest)
Freedom. It’s a strong pull.
Laters, Kate x
Statement x
Upstairs, in the furthest cupboard, I have some vintage clothes stored away for the day when Bella wishes to experiment. In amongst them is a full length chocolate brown velvet single breasted coat with the sort of split up the back that made you feel like a swash buckling highway man when walking down a street. The decadence of the material felt such a statement of the times, it was hard to see it having a real purpose again.
(All pics Pinterest)
But there is a point of view that says when the world is going to the dogs, party like there’s no tomorrow….
Laters, Kate x
Wow!
Maybe it’s because they don’t have boobs. Maybe it’s because their clothes are more of a uniform with less choice. Maybe it’s because layering is something they’ve always done. But heck, when men get it right, they smoke.
(All pics Pinterest)
I want some of what they got.
Laters, Kate x
Design Hero x
A hero: Admired for their courage, their stance against the odds, outstanding achievements and noble qualities; victor, winner, conqueror and lion heart.
We now live in a disposable culture where things are cheaper to replace than mend. Except there are a few companies who still regard service as part of their service…
Meet Dualit, a company started in the 1940s in a factory in Camberwell, London. It’s ethos is no frills, no gimmicks, no compromise and with it’s roots in commercial restaurants and hotels means you can add reliability and integrity to its list of credentials.
And the sleek retro looks with shiny chrome means aesthetics are another easy box to tick.
(All pics Dualit and Pinterest)
But it’s the simple, practical fact that all the parts of a Dualit toaster can be replaced that is the real clincher and thrill of this praise party: Buy once, buy well.
Sometimes the old ones are the best.
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 