Category: vintage

July 4, 2016

Holly go brightly..

Today marks the last Monday of term and school prize day – a day to avoid if ever there is one. I swore last year, after three hours of clapping in heavy, muggy heat that I would never go again – and that was after the mornings two hour session. But, there’s no emotional escape from the kids need to know you’re there..in world economics it’s a price too high to pay not to go, so it’s time to slap on the smile and don the nonchalance for one more time. I’ll be sitting there, checking out the colour combinations and trying to work out why some things work that really shouldn’t..and the reverse.

Think of me.

Laters, Kate x

June 8, 2016

J’adore..

If I was a trust fund babe, this would be my luggage of choice.

Made in America by Steamline, they’re the perfect marriage of the elegance of yesteryear and the practicalities of modern performance: Handcrafted in leather and brass they swear to be lightweight and durable.

In the past, Louis Vuitton held the aspirational luggage high ground – but it’s now so tinged with the fake tans of tv reality star wannabees that to say your luggage is LV is like announcing to the world that your coat is fur and your knickers are missing.

After years of broken zips, plastic and making do, maybe it’s time for a change…these are certainly on the list of lust.

Laters, Kate x

May 11, 2016

Little Things x

We finally have coat hooks! These are midcentury Ukrainian curtesy of Etsy…cost £14, postage £15..but I love them..they’re the perfect size to avoid coat overload – what can’t hang here has to go down in the cellar to the dedicated coat cupboard (and yes, it’s full already..)

And Mr Fish, who used to be above our cooker has found a new lair.

Most importantly, the children have hooks for their endless school bits. That daily hurricane has finally been contained! The mess was driving me mad and our drill is still lurking in the spare room..

Which currently looks like this…it’s going to be some time before we were reunited, so a big thank you to Al for helping us…come pick up your child from a playdate and bring your drill with you! but it was appreciated..now…if you’re free next weekend..

Must start unpacking..

Laters, Kate x

May 10, 2016

It’s Mabes babes..

And so the yearly hunt for towelling beachwear starts..

(Personally I now blame Sean Connery, not lycra for it’s demise.)

But I know it’s just waiting to have it’s cool moment again.

There is a light at the end of the tunnel..new on the block is Mabes, a British label purely obsessed with towelling shirts.

From double pocketed chunky large buttoned plain classics..

To retro prints with an edge.

For guys, girls and even little ones…and the prices are sensible (£35 for kids to £74 for adults). So that’s Charlie and The Husband sorted.

(All pictures Mabes and Pinterest)

Now I just need this dress in a white, light towelling please..

Laters, Kate x

April 29, 2016

Damn x

The crittall glass people arrived here yesterday and the only glass they left is the sort related to the Emperor’s new clothes: It didn’t fit through the front door…one centimetre out, so it’s been returned to the factory. Apparently the main frame was supposed to be designed in two parts but it wasn’t. Their bad. But it leaves me to explain the situation to Building Control and delay our final sign off again..there’s always something.

I’m distracting the frustration with a search for the perfect table lamp..something utterly ugly and totally wonderful.

They give such bones to a room..an intriguing combination of height, light and ambience.

It’s a ploy that’s working…

Laters, Kate x

April 20, 2016

Candy Store x

Pink.

(All pictures Pinterest)

To make the boys wink.

Laters, Kate x

April 19, 2016

Kilims on my mind..

You can’t beat a good rug. (Except of course you can..)

They work with anything, anywhere, quietly bringing soul and drama to a room.

Traditional or modern. It doesn’t matter.

I’ve been trying to source some as runners for our main stairs and cellar stairs. It hasn’t been easy: No runner is long enough and narrow enough to fit a complete flight, so it’s about finding combinations that work together, fit together in size….and still make the heart sing.

The pair for the cellar have just arrived, prompting a nostalgic glance back at the cellar stair’s upwards progression…from this..

To this.

The kilims still need to be fitted properly…but I think that’s best done once the floor is down (May 3) and possibly after all the furniture is down.

But it’s progress….and I love it.

Laters, Kate x

April 13, 2016

Mac and Tosh..

Parodying the great words of Truman Capote and Holly Golightly.. would you reach in the drawer there and hand me my purse as no girl should write this without lipstick…

And no girl should be out in London in the changeable month of April without a Macintosh (and preferably a vintage Burberry one)

In this fast spinning world of trends it remains the epitome of a timeless stalwart.

I so need one in my wardrobe – a need and a want. I think I spotted a rack of them (possibly not Burberry’s but who knows..) in Camden Lock when I went with the kids…but there was no time to forage..