woodbridge, suffolk

Last weekend, we went to a beautiful wedding just outside of the seaside town of Woodbridge, Suffolk. We had a wonderful stay at The Quay House and I spotted lots of cool boats (I know I'm obsessed).

oh patti

On our weekend away, I read my first book on my brand new Amazon Kindle. It really is a joy to read. I read the legendary Patti Smith's memoir, Just Kids. Such a great story of an artist finding herself in 1970s New York. The book focuses on her relationship with the photographer Robert Mapplethorpe and how they ended up from being practically homeless to successful artists, each in their own right. I love her boyish, bohemian style and she is still making music today.

Horses album cover (image: Electric Ladyland)

Photo: Last FM

Photo: Last FM

Photo: Last FM

Mengsel Valentine's Day blog giveaway!

Valentine's day is only 2 weeks away. Do you have a gift for your sweetheart yet? I will be giving away one of my "Leafy Heart" original hand pulled silkscreen prints to one lucky reader. The paper size is A3  (42 cm H x 29.7 cm W - 15" x 11") and the print size is 22.5 cm H x 18.5 cm W - 9" x 7". It is worth GBP £24.00 (US $38.00) and only 30 printed of each colour.

Which colour would you give to your love this Valentine's day?
Macaroon pink?
or....
Duck Egg Blue?

To enter, please leave a comment below with you contact details, stating which colour you would pick to give your loved one and why. I will randomly select a winner on Monday 7 February and pop it in the post, so it will arrive in time for Valentine's day.

These prints are for sale in a special Valentine's Day section, along with other sweet gifts like "i heart robot" pillowcase sets, "mini moka" prints and more... Go check it out!

Macaroon Pink "Leafy Heart" silkscreen print, edition of 30

Duck Egg Blue "Leafy Heart" silkscreen print, edition of 30

Mengsel prints now available at Heal's!

I am very pleased to let you know that Mengsel's limited edition silkscreen prints are now available at Heal's! I've been so excited about this for a while now and so so happy about it. Mengsel prints are available to purchase at the Tottenham Court Road flagship store and online at www.heals.co.uk. Heal's have chosen a small selection of framed limited edition prints for their flagship store: Moka Express, Tiny Towers and Toucans.

A little piece of history about Heal's:  

"Starting out as a bed-making firm in 1810, we've been designing and making quality furniture ever since. We love it and we're good at it. 

When Sir Ambrose Heal joined the firm in 1893, he had the vision to work with the most skilled designers and craftspeople of the day to create furniture that is comfortable, beautiful and affordable, reflecting the ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Influential designers like Mies van de Rohe, Marcel Breuer and Robin and Lucienne Day have all been drawn to Heal's distinctive character and reputation for innovation.

This tradition lives on. Heal's continues to work with the designers of the future and offer home furnishings that represent the best in contemporary design."

You can read more about the history of this great British company here at the Heal's website.

It is just an absolute thrill for me to have my prints in a store that stocks most of my design heroes. Happy 2011!

Winter Wonderland

It is getting really frosty over here in England. This will be my 6th Winter in London, since arriving here with my  friend and small suitcase from Cape Town. Since then, I've had amazing experiences and I definitely feel like a proper Londoner by now. I love this town! Rather strange, but I've grown quite fond of the Winter here, especially November and December and the run-up to Christmas, when London really comes to life. I've found some beautiful images of that time of the year in London. Enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate (or mulled wine).

Ice skating at Somerset House - image from The Guardian

London Eye - image from Hospitality Line

A wintery St. Paul's Cathedral from the South Bank - image from Eventa

Librarian Friday

I always feel like I'm dressing like a librarian.  A complete geek, I have to confess that I'm very happy when hanging out in a library and love the smell of old books and especially the peace and quiet. Some cute finds from Etsy and more. Happy weekend!

Library Card Notebook from crabappledesign at Etsy

Studio Julie skirt at Kate Spade

Vintage Black Buddy Holly Eyeglasses from comeuppances at Etsy

Prada Fall/Winter 2010 at Milan (image from famespy.com)

Trio of vintage self help books, mid-century classics by SunnyDay Vintage at Etsy

movie inspiration: The Village

With all the pretty new capes and coat styles for Winter, the trend for staying warm and toastie this Winter really made me think about the mustard yellow coloured hooded capes that the characters wore in the creepy M. Night Shyamalan movie, The Village. Bryce Dallas Howard and Joaquin Phoenix went berry picking in the woods, trying to avoid "those we do not speak of". Those villagers were way ahead of the trend back in 2004!

Joaquin Phoenix in "The Village" - photo from The Editing Room

Bryce Dallas Howard in "The Village" - photo from uk.movies.ign.com

Ash Grey Woollen Studio Cape from Zara

Vintage 1960s PLAY CHARADE Wool Cape in Celery and white Tweed Cape by Fabgabs at Etsy

Cape in Mustard Yellow, with Neck Tie by Margerydaw0 at Etsy

Colour of the day: Fire Engine Red

Definitely one of my favourite colours. Just in love with all of these items. Maybe I can ride the Electra Amsterdam classic, while wearing the vintage 80's pumps and sunglasses? Or maybe draw at the desk (I know it's a kiddie one - dammit), in the light of the AJ table lamp? Too much red? Never!

Vintage school desk and chair by Rhapsody Attic at Etsy

Fire Engine Red Hot vintage 80s Pumps from VintageDress Flickr stream

Electra Amsterdam Classic 3i Madonna Ladies bicycle. Dutch style bicycle inspired by the designs of Alexander Girard, one of the most infuential folk artists.

AJ table lamp in red designed by Arne Jacobson and manufactured by Louis Poulsen. Celebrating the 50-year anniversary of the iconic AJ lamp.

80s Vintage Red and Gold Wayfarer Sunglasses from The Honey Room

Drink, Shop & Do

Mengsel's limited edition silkscreen prints are now available to purchase at the freshly opened Drink, Shop & Do, just a stone's throw from King's Cross St Pancras Station (No 9 Caledonian Road, London, N1 9DX).

Drink, Shop & Do is a new design shop and cafe bar selling products from emerging designers alongside vintage furniture and home wares. Just love the colours and vintage furniture in this bright beautiful shop. A great home for Mengsel prints.

Interior of Drink, Shop & Do with "Retro Roosters" print

Interior of Drink, Shop & Do

"Retro Roosters" limited edition silkscreen print from Mengsel

Style Crush: Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr Ripley

After I posted my Anthropologie picks yesterday, the green epadrilles kept reminding me of Gwyneth Paltrow's character Marge Sherwood in the brilliant film with Jude Law and Matt Damon, "The Talented Mr Ripley". Marge's effortlessly classic style against the backdrop of Italy's Amalfi Coast contributes a lot to this film's cinematic beauty.

(1) Ray-Ban Wayfarers from asos.com (2) Champion Canvas Originals from keds.com (3) Broderie Print Corset Dress from Topshop (4) Cooperative Plaid full Picnic skirt from Urban Outfitters (5) Leather vintage style wallet from Urban Outfitters (6) Rouge Allure lipstick from Chanel (7) Broderie Anglaise cropped shirt form Shadowplayvintage at Etsy (8) Nautical stripe tie bandau top from Accessorize

The return of Don Draper

It is almost time for season 4 of Mad Men to start. I'm just completely obsessed with the decor, design and fashion of the show. The attention to detail is amazing and I really love that period in time, not to mention the political incorrectness. Here is some Mad Men inspired finds on Etsy. Also have a look at the YouTube clip at the bottom. Excited yet?

Vintage Mod Gooseneck Desk Lamp by Bluebell at Etsy

Home Magazine Decorating Book - Midcentury Decor

vintage 60's OVERBLOUSE, 4 MAD MEN styles by monicacarmel at Etsy

 

Vintage General Electric Alarm Clock by rerunzvintageshop at Etsy

 Mid Century Danish Modern Arne Vodder Sideboard Cabinet by thevintagesupplyco at Etsy

Vintage ad early 1960s All Steel Desk by arcaniumantiques at Etsy